AOA vs VTI
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.89% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.38% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.87% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.21% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
AOA vs VTI Performance
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) 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 AOA returned +19.38% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, AOA is up 11.89% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, AOA compounded at +17.87% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.21% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, AOA has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 12.9% for AOA. 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 -28.4% for AOA 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOA charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOA currently yields 2.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AOA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2795 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, AOA or VTI?
AOA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOA or VTI?
Over the past year AOA returned +19.38% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AOA annualized +8.79% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.9% for AOA. Worst drawdown: AOA -28.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AOA and VTI?
AOA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AOA and VTI?
AOA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOA or VTI?
AOA yields 2.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AOA 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.