AAUS vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AAUS is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

AAUS vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.20% return.

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAUS vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.20%	7.92%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and VTI is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AAUS vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.51	+1.40

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-55.45%	+46.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.92%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.72%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-8.03%	+6.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.93%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.96%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.13%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	12.17%	+0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	17.40%	-4.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	18.30%	-5.85%

AAUS vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AAUS vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, AAUS and VTI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or VTI?

On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAUS or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AAUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAUS or VTI?

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and VTI?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.03% for VTI.