AOA vs VXUS
AOA vs VXUS
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.08% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.14% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.86% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.10% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AOA vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AOA returned +21.14% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, AOA is up 11.08% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, AOA compounded at +16.86% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.10% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AOA has the edge at +8.76% annualized vs +4.81%. 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 12.9% for AOA. 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 -28.4% for AOA 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOA charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOA currently yields 2.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AOA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7868 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOA or VXUS?
AOA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOA or VXUS?
Over the past year AOA returned +21.14% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOA annualized +8.76% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for AOA. Worst drawdown: AOA -28.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AOA and VXUS?
AOA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AOA and VXUS?
AOA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOA or VXUS?
AOA yields 2.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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