AHLT vs VTI
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $49M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 255 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.96% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.59% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.79% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
AHLT vs VTI Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AHLT returned +36.59% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, AHLT is up 11.96% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +7.79% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for AHLT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -20.2% for AHLT and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT charges 0.96% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHLT currently yields 1.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AHLT or VTI?
AHLT has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AHLT or VTI?
Over the past year AHLT returned +36.59% vs +21.39% for VTI, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +7.79% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for AHLT. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AHLT and VTI?
AHLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and VTI?
AHLT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or VTI?
AHLT yields 1.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AHLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.