AOM vs VXUS
AOM vs VXUS
iShares Core 40/60 Moderate 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 | AOM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.90% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.53% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AOM vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 40/60 Moderate Allocation ETF (AOM) 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 AOM returned +11.53% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AOM is up 5.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AOM compounded at +10.85% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.75% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AOM has the edge at +5.11% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 7.3% for AOM. 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 -20.0% for AOM 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
AOM 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, AOM currently yields 2.98% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AOM 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, AOM or VXUS?
AOM 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, AOM or VXUS?
Over the past year AOM returned +11.53% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOM annualized +5.11% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.3% for AOM. Worst drawdown: AOM -20.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AOM and VXUS?
AOM 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 AOM and VXUS?
AOM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOM or VXUS?
AOM yields 2.98% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AOM 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.