ARLU vs VTI
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARLU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $54M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.18% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.05% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
ARLU vs VTI Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARLU returned +14.05% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, ARLU is up 8.18% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.4% for ARLU. 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 -15.4% for ARLU and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARLU charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARLU currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARLU or VTI?
ARLU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARLU or VTI?
Over the past year ARLU returned +14.05% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARLU annualized +12.18% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARLU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.4% for ARLU. Worst drawdown: ARLU -15.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ARLU and VTI?
ARLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARLU or VTI?
ARLU yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.