AHLT vs VXUS
AHLT vs VXUS
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.03% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.10% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.92% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AHLT vs VXUS Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AHLT returned +34.10% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AHLT is up 9.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +6.92% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, AHLT has the edge at +6.92% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHLT currently yields 1.55% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
AHLT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AHLT or VXUS?
Over the past year AHLT returned +34.10% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +6.92% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for AHLT. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AHLT and VXUS?
AHLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and VXUS?
AHLT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or VXUS?
AHLT yields 1.55% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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