AVDE vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

AVDE (Avantis International Equity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVDE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. AVDE is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVDE returned 10.27%/yr vs 14.43%/yr for VUG. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVDE charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AVDE vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDE achieves a 11.61% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.94% return.

AVDE

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.66%
• YTD: 11.61%
• 6M: 12.63%
• 1Y: 28.35%
• 3Y*: 19.48%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

AVDE vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	11.61%	38.05%	4.88%	17.18%	-13.68%	13.62%	8.26%	7.95%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	9.18%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDE and VUG is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.66

The correlation between AVDE and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDE vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDE	VUG
Financial Services	23.9%	4.3%
Industrials	20.2%	3.6%
Basic Materials	11.4%	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	12.2%
Technology	8.0%	53.5%
Energy	7.4%	0.4%
Healthcare	5.7%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	1.5%
Communication Services	4.1%	17.3%
Utilities	4.0%	0.9%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.0%

Return for Risk

AVDE vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDE

AVDE Risk / Return Rank: 61
AVDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
AVDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
AVDE Omega Ratio Rank: 63
AVDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
AVDE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

AVDE vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	AVDE	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.59	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.16	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.28	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.60	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.69	5.50	+4.19

AVDE vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDE and VUG, 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

AVDE vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDE drawdown since its inception was -36.99%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDE and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDE	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.99%	-50.68%	+13.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-16.53%	+5.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.46%	-22.85%	+9.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.73%	-35.61%	+6.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-2.90%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-7.09%	+0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	4.79%	-1.86%

Volatility

AVDE vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) is 5.60%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that AVDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDE	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.60%	6.32%	-0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	13.28%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	16.65%	-1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.40%	22.34%	-5.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	21.51%	-2.58%

AVDE vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDE has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG'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

AVDE vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AVDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	3.81%	2.66%	3.29%	3.01%	2.79%	2.46%	1.63%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDE and VUG in my portfolio?

AVDE and VUG have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVDE or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to AVDE (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDE dropped -36.99% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, AVDE or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 14.43% vs 10.27% for AVDE. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AVDE has been the lower-risk option at 5.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDE or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 14.43% return vs 10.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDE or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for AVDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDE or VUG?

AVDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between AVDE and VUG?

AVDE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVDE and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.59), 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.