AIA vs VTI
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +36.25% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +67.40% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +38.27% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.58% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
AIA vs VTI Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIA returned +67.40% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, AIA is up 36.25% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +38.27% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.58% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -61.1% for AIA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2841 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, AIA or VTI?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or VTI?
Over the past year AIA returned +67.40% vs +21.39% for VTI, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), AIA annualized +6.30% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or VTI?
AIA has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AIA and VTI?
AIA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and VTI?
AIA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or VTI?
AIA yields 1.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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