AOD vs VXUS
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AOD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.73% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.59% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.55% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.30% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.93% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AOD vs VXUS Performance
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AOD returned +30.55% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, AOD is up 17.59% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, AOD compounded at +23.30% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.93% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -4.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -88.1% for AOD 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOD charges 1.16% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $5 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOD currently yields 11.73% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AOD and VXUS share 28 holdings out of 7926 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOD or VXUS?
AOD has an expense ratio of 1.16% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOD or VXUS?
Over the past year AOD returned +30.55% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so AOD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOD annualized -4.05% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOD or VXUS?
AOD has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AOD -88.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AOD and VXUS?
AOD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 AOD and VXUS?
AOD and VXUS share 28 common holdings with a 10.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOD or VXUS?
AOD yields 11.73% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so AOD 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.