VUS vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

VUS vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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, VUS achieves a 19.93% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 32.04% return.

VUS

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 20.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUS vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	19.93%	0.81%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	4.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and AFOS is 0.92, 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 Dec 4, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

VUS vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUS	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	4.35	-1.12

Drawdowns

VUS vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUS drawdown since its inception was -9.45%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUS and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUS	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-11.52%	+2.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.29%	-0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-1.37%	-0.09%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.63%	20.19%	-5.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.63%	20.19%	-5.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.63%	20.19%	-5.56%

VUS vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUS vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, more than AFOS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	0.73%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and AFOS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VUS and AFOS 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, VUS or AFOS?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUS or AFOS?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

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

VUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between VUS and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUS and 0.45% for AFOS.