AFK vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AFK (VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFK is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Africa Titans 50 Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AFK returned 5.69%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for VTI. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFK charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

AFK vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF (AFK) 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, AFK achieves a -2.24% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return. Over the past 10 years, AFK has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 5.69%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.14% annualized return.

AFK

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: -2.24%
• 6M: -2.61%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 22.56%
• 5Y*: 5.84%
• 10Y*: 5.69%

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

AFK vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AFK VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF	-2.24%	74.71%	12.10%	-12.11%	-17.31%	3.00%	4.26%	9.90%	-19.55%	28.22%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between AFK and VTI is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2008	0.56

The correlation between AFK and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

AFK vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AFK	VTI
Financial Services	37.1%	11.3%
Basic Materials	34.1%	1.9%
Communication Services	12.5%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	9.7%
Energy	4.3%	3.3%
Industrials	3.4%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	4.3%
Healthcare	0.5%	9.0%
Real Estate	0.2%	2.3%
Utilities	0.1%	2.1%
Technology	-	37.0%

Return for Risk

AFK vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFK

AFK Risk / Return Rank: 37
AFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
AFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
AFK Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AFK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

AFK vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF (AFK) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AFK	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.90	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.59	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.34	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	2.73	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.01	12.14	-7.13

AFK vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFK Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFK and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AFK vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFK drawdown since its inception was -62.46%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFK and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFK	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.46%	-55.45%	-7.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.54%	-8.92%	-10.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.54%	-19.30%	-0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.62%	-25.36%	-12.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.33%	-35.00%	-18.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.43%	-2.85%	-11.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.98%	-8.01%	-23.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.09%	2.00%	+5.09%

Volatility

AFK vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF (AFK) has a higher volatility of 9.46% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.95%. This indicates that AFK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFK	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.46%	4.95%	+4.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.76%	10.05%	+13.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.90%	12.83%	+14.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.38%	17.51%	+4.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.19%	18.32%	+3.87%

AFK vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFK has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFK vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

AFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, which matches VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFK VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF	1.04%	1.02%	0.00%	2.27%	3.59%	4.17%	3.91%	6.34%	1.71%	1.99%	2.67%	2.16%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	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 AFK and VTI in my portfolio?

AFK and VTI have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFK or VTI?

AFK has higher volatility (9.46%) compared to VTI (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFK dropped -62.46% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, AFK or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.14% vs 5.69% for AFK. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFK or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 5.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFK or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for AFK.

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

AFK and VTI have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.04%.

What is the main difference between AFK and VTI?

AFK is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. AFK tracks Dow Jones Africa Titans 50 Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for AFK and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.32), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.