AQEC ETF Explained: Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The AQE Core ETF is an actively managed core product that invests in US large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, selecting quality companies at reasonable prices. The expense ratio, growth outlook and volatility are the key items to check, and comparison with passive market ETFs is the main selection criterion. The trading ticker is AQEC.
SubscribeWhat Is the AQE Core ETF?
This is an actively managed core ETF that selects US large-cap stocks with solid financials, steady earnings and durable competitive advantages. It buys at reasonable prices relative to intrinsic value, stays alert to downside risk and pursues long-term growth.
It suits long-term investors who want to own high-quality US stocks with strong fundamentals at reasonable prices.
The ETF is run with an active management approach by Arlington.
How Does the AQE Core ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked index | Active (does not track a benchmark) |
| Management style | Active (fundamentals) |
| Rebalancing frequency | Ad hoc (at manager's discretion) |
| Dividend frequency | Irregular |
| Total expense ratio | 0.49% |
The fund screens for companies with solid financials, steady earnings and durable competitive advantages through fundamental analysis. It buys when prices are reasonable relative to intrinsic value, stays alert to downside risk, and offers a core strategy centered on quality stocks with long-term growth potential.
- Selection of quality stocks with durable competitive advantages
- Purchases at reasonable prices relative to intrinsic value
AQE Core ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $610.4M, and the total expense ratio is 0.49% per year.
Unlike market-cap-weighted market ETFs, the manager's stock selection can lead to results that differ from the market, and because the fund concentrates on quality stocks, performance can diverge during growth-stock rallies.
AQE Core ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeStrategies centered on quality stocks tend to hold up relatively well when markets are uncertain or volatile. By contrast, they can lag when risk appetite is strong or when a handful of growth stocks lead the market.
Money tends to flow in when interest in quality stocks and value investing rises, and fund flows vary with market style rotation and management results.
AQE Core ETF Pros and Cons
Its strength is the selection of quality stocks at reasonable prices, while performance dispersion, relative underperformance in bull markets and active management fees are the drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
AQE Core ETF Alternatives and Related Products
EZU, VPL, ILF and the others shown in the table are regional ETFs that invest in Europe, Asia and Latin America, so their investment universe is different. For more exposure to US quality stocks, you can also compare the S&P 500 ETF VOO, the large-cap value ETF VTV and the economic moat ETF MOAT. They differ in management approach, holdings and fees, so it is best to choose according to your investment style.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 EZU | iShares MSCI EMU ETF | $65.72 | +0.2% | $9.2B | 0.50% | 2.8% | +4.3% |
 VPL | Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF | $111.98 | +1.1% | $8.6B | 0.07% | 2.16% | +21.5% |
 AIA | iShares Asia 50 ETF | $133.90 | +2.2% | $4.7B | 0.50% | 0.94% | +35.4% |
 ILF | iShares Latin America 40 ETF | $32.98 | -1.4% | $3.5B | 0.47% | 2.96% | +13.7% |
 BDYN | iShares Dynamic Equity Active ETF | $27.73 | +0.5% | $3.1B | 0.39% | 0.32% | +8.3% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 0.04% | $271.04 | +0.9% | $652.5B | 41.1 | 1.97% |
| GSK | GSK Plc ADR | 0.04% | $48.74 | -4.3% | $97.7B | 15.4 | 3.78% |
| BRK-B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc | 0.02% | $540.34 | -0.5% | $1.15T | 13.6 | - |
| RTX | RTX Corp | 0.02% | $195.84 | +0.6% | $264.3B | 31.8 | 1.47% |
| AAPL | Apple Inc | 0.02% | $343.83 | -0.9% | $5.02T | 39.4 | 0.32% |
| BRK-A | Berkshire Hathaway Inc | 0.02% | $811947.00 | +0.2% | $1.16T | 13.6 | - |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc | 0.02% | $324.89 | +1.3% | $3.95T | 16.3 | 0.25% |
| GD | General Dynamics Corp | 0.02% | $354.35 | -0.1% | $95.9B | 21.6 | 1.79% |
AQE Core ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in AQEC. As an actively managed core ETF, it is important to check performance dispersion, relative underperformance in bull markets, the fee level and the management approach in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense ratio | Confirm the active management fee | Check needed |
| 📈 Performance dispersion | Possible gap versus the market | May vary |
| 📉 Bull market lag | Possible relative lag in growth-led markets | May lag |
| 🔍 Management approach | Confirm fundamental selection | Active |
Stock selection can create performance gaps versus the market-cap-weighted market, and because the fund concentrates on quality stocks, it may lag relatively in bull markets led by growth stocks. The fees that come with active management should also be taken into account.
This is an active ETF suited to long-term investors who want to own high-quality US stocks with strong fundamentals at reasonable prices. If you only want simple market exposure, a passive market ETF may be the better choice, while AQEC can be an alternative for those who want a quality-stock strategy at reasonable prices.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 5, 2026.
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