VTI vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past year, VTI returned 23.02% vs 83.17% for AFOS. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTI charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

VTI vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTI achieves a 8.90% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 33.60% return.

VTI

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -1.48%
• YTD: 8.90%
• 6M: 7.43%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: 20.80%
• 5Y*: 11.83%
• 10Y*: 15.38%

AFOS

• 1D: 2.47%
• 1M: 3.16%
• YTD: 33.60%
• 6M: 31.56%
• 1Y: 83.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTI vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.90%	12.97%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	33.60%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and AFOS is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.84

Return for Risk

VTI vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 71

AFOS

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

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.

VTI vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

	VTI	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	—	—

Drawdowns

VTI vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than AFOS's maximum drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-11.52%	-43.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-11.52%	+2.60%
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	-2.77%	-2.33%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-1.43%	-6.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTI	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.75%	21.58%	-8.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.50%	21.58%	-4.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.31%	21.58%	-3.27%

VTI vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTI vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than AFOS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%	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	1.04%	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 VTI and AFOS in my portfolio?

VTI and AFOS have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTI or AFOS?

On 1-year performance, AFOS leads with 83.17% vs 23.02% for 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 has performed better, VTI or AFOS?

Over the 1-year period, AFOS has performed better with a 83.17% return vs 23.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or AFOS?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between VTI and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTI and 0.45% for AFOS.