AOR vs VXUS
AOR vs VXUS
iShares Core 60/40 Balanced 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 | AOR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.73% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.02% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.02% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AOR vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) 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 AOR returned +16.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AOR is up 8.73% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AOR compounded at +14.02% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.02% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AOR has the edge at +7.03% 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 10.1% for AOR. 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 -25.0% for AOR 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOR 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, AOR currently yields 2.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AOR 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, AOR or VXUS?
AOR 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, AOR or VXUS?
Over the past year AOR returned +16.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOR annualized +7.03% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for AOR. Worst drawdown: AOR -25.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AOR and VXUS?
AOR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 AOR and VXUS?
AOR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOR or VXUS?
AOR yields 2.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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