AAEQ vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAAEQVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.05%
AUM$491M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.09%2.60%
Holdings3558,747
YTD Return+12.03%+14.57%
1Y Return-+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)-15.1%
Max Drawdown-10.3%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAlpha ArchitectVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 9, 2025Jan 26, 2011

AAEQ vs VXUS Performance

Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

AAEQ and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8201 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AAEQWeight in VXUSDifference
ORCL0.32%0.00%0.32%
IRM0.07%0.05%0.02%
HBAN0.06%0.05%0.01%
SREProProPro
KRProProPro
See all 5 holdings AAEQ shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AAEQ or VXUS?

AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and VXUS?

AAEQ and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8201 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or VXUS?

AAEQ yields 0.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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