AIO vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAIOVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.47%0.05%
AUM$973M$156.5B
Dividend Yield9.94%2.60%
Holdings1018,747
YTD Return+25.72%+14.57%
1Y Return+21.69%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.05%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.13%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)22.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-45.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 31, 2019Jan 26, 2011

AIO vs VXUS Performance

Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIO returned +21.69% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AIO is up 25.72% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, AIO compounded at +25.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.13% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AIO has the edge at +14.52% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

AIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -45.2% for AIO 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AIO charges 1.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $5 annually, a gap of $142 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIO currently yields 9.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

2.0%overlap

AIO and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7940 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AIOWeight in VXUSDifference
ASML:AS0.82%1.29%0.47%
CLS:CA1.45%0.07%1.38%
AZN:LN0.69%0.71%0.02%
SHOP:CAProProPro
HBANProProPro
ORCLProProPro
See all 6 holdings AIO 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, AIO or VXUS?

AIO has an expense ratio of 1.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $142 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AIO or VXUS?

Over the past year AIO returned +21.69% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AIO annualized +14.52% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AIO or VXUS?

AIO has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AIO -45.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both AIO and VXUS?

AIO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AIO and VXUS?

AIO and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7940 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AIO or VXUS?

AIO yields 9.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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