AIRR vs VXUS
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AIRR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $10.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.01% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.04% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.08% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.96% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AIRR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIRR returned +33.04% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, AIRR is up 21.01% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +31.08% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +23.96% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +15.96% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIRR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -42.4% for AIRR 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIRR currently yields 0.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AIRR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7912 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, AIRR or VXUS?
AIRR has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIRR or VXUS?
Over the past year AIRR returned +33.04% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so AIRR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), AIRR annualized +15.96% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or VXUS?
AIRR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AIRR and VXUS?
AIRR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and VXUS?
AIRR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7912 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or VXUS?
AIRR yields 0.08% 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.