ARLU vs VXUS
ARLU vs VXUS
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr 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 | ARLU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $54M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.35% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.98% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARLU vs VXUS Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARLU returned +15.98% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ARLU is up 8.35% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARLU charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARLU currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARLU or VXUS?
ARLU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARLU or VXUS?
Over the past year ARLU returned +15.98% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARLU annualized +12.32% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARLU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.4% for ARLU. Worst drawdown: ARLU -15.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARLU and VXUS?
ARLU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARLU or VXUS?
ARLU yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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