AOK vs VXUS
AOK vs VXUS
iShares Core 30/70 Conservative Allocation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $787M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.40% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.19% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.19% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AOK vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 30/70 Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK) 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 AOK returned +9.19% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AOK is up 4.40% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AOK compounded at +9.19% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.60% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.0% for AOK. 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 -18.9% for AOK 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOK charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOK currently yields 3.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AOK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7869 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, AOK or VXUS?
AOK has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOK or VXUS?
Over the past year AOK returned +9.19% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOK annualized +3.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.0% for AOK. Worst drawdown: AOK -18.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AOK and VXUS?
AOK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AOK and VXUS?
AOK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOK or VXUS?
AOK yields 3.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AOK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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