AQLT vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQLT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $331M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.87% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AQLT vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) 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 AQLT returned +22.87% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, AQLT is up 11.95% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.9% for AQLT. 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 -16.8% for AQLT 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQLT charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQLT currently yields 1.01% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AQLT and VXUS share 208 holdings out of 8125 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQLT or VXUS?
AQLT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQLT or VXUS?
Over the past year AQLT returned +22.87% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AQLT annualized +16.04% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQLT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for AQLT. Worst drawdown: AQLT -16.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AQLT and VXUS?
AQLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQLT and VXUS?
AQLT and VXUS share 208 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQLT or VXUS?
AQLT yields 1.01% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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