AKAF vs VXUS
AKAF vs VXUS
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AKAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 137 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.36% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AKAF vs VXUS Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AKAF returned +28.36% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, AKAF is up 12.76% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.9% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AKAF currently yields 3.02% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7983 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AKAF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| REP:MA | 1.94% | 0.06% | 1.88% |
| STO:AU | 1.59% | 0.04% | 1.55% |
| 9101:JP | 1.51% | 0.03% | 1.48% |
| TECK:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| S32:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DSV:CO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NST:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| K:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TFII:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 9202:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AKAF shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or VXUS?
AKAF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AKAF or VXUS?
Over the past year AKAF returned +28.36% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so AKAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +29.03% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AKAF and VXUS?
AKAF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and VXUS?
AKAF and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7983 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or VXUS?
AKAF yields 3.02% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AKAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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