AIA vs VXUS
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +36.57% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.52% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.70% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AIA vs VXUS Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIA returned +65.52% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, AIA is up 36.57% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +36.70% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AIA has the edge at +6.32% annualized vs +4.88%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 7891 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIA or VXUS?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or VXUS?
Over the past year AIA returned +65.52% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AIA annualized +6.32% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or VXUS?
AIA has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AIA and VXUS?
AIA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and VXUS?
AIA and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or VXUS?
AIA yields 1.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS 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.