AZTD vs VXUS
Aztlan Global Stock Selection DM SMID 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 | AZTD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $40M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.48% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.33% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.68% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aztlan Equity Management, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AZTD vs VXUS Performance
Aztlan Global Stock Selection DM SMID ETF (AZTD) is a ETF from Aztlan Equity Management, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AZTD returned +18.33% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AZTD is up 15.48% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AZTD compounded at +17.68% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, AZTD has the edge at +14.17% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AZTD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 AZTD 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AZTD charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AZTD currently yields 0.93% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AZTD and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AZTD or VXUS?
AZTD has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AZTD or VXUS?
Over the past year AZTD returned +18.33% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AZTD annualized +14.17% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AZTD or VXUS?
AZTD has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AZTD -16.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AZTD and VXUS?
AZTD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AZTD and VXUS?
AZTD and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AZTD or VXUS?
AZTD yields 0.93% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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