ASET vs VXUS
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund 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 | ASET | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.77% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ASET vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund (ASET) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ASET is up 16.77% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ASET compounded at +9.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ASET has the edge at +6.15% 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 14.4% for ASET. 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 -42.8% for ASET 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
ASET charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASET currently yields 3.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASET or VXUS?
ASET has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASET or VXUS?
Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ASET annualized +6.15% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASET or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.4% for ASET. Worst drawdown: ASET -42.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ASET and VXUS?
ASET 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.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASET or VXUS?
ASET yields 3.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ASET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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