AKAF vs VTI
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AKAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.82% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
AKAF vs VTI Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, AKAF is up 16.06% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.3% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AKAF currently yields 2.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and VTI share 93 holdings out of 2833 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or VTI?
AKAF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AKAF or VTI?
Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% vs +20.82% for VTI, so AKAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +30.78% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AKAF and VTI?
AKAF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and VTI?
AKAF and VTI share 93 common holdings with a 12.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or VTI?
AKAF yields 2.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AKAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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