AVDS vs. ISCF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and ISCF (iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. AVDS is actively managed, while ISCF is passively managed. Over the past year, AVDS returned 32.62% vs 21.96% for ISCF. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for ISCF.

Performance

AVDS vs. ISCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDS achieves a 12.02% return, which is significantly higher than ISCF's 7.28% return.

AVDS

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 15.40%
• 1Y: 32.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISCF

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 10.16%
• 1Y: 21.96%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 7.26%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

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

AVDS vs. ISCF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	12.02%	38.18%	3.20%	3.79%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	7.28%	33.65%	4.75%	3.12%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and ISCF is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 21, 2023	0.97

The correlation between AVDS and ISCF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDS vs. ISCF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDS	ISCF
Industrials	22.6%	23.3%
Basic Materials	17.0%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	12.4%
Financial Services	12.1%	12.3%
Technology	9.7%	10.5%
Energy	6.1%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	4.1%
Healthcare	4.5%	5.4%
Real Estate	3.2%	8.8%
Utilities	3.2%	3.6%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.8%

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. ISCF — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 61
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

ISCF

ISCF Risk / Return Rank: 42
ISCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ISCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
ISCF Omega Ratio Rank: 42
ISCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISCF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

AVDS vs. ISCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF). 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.

	AVDS	ISCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.54	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.18	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.28	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	1.94	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	7.28	+2.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVDS vs. ISCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDS Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the ISCF Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDS and ISCF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVDS	ISCF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	1.54	+0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	0.49	+0.78

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. ISCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, smaller than the maximum ISCF drawdown of -40.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and ISCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	ISCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-40.79%	+27.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.34%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.70%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-2.64%	+0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-8.14%	+5.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	3.02%	+0.17%

Volatility

AVDS vs. ISCF - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) have volatilities of 4.46% and 4.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	ISCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.33%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.43%	11.86%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.87%	14.39%	+0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.36%	16.66%	-1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.36%	17.44%	-2.08%

AVDS vs. ISCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than ISCF's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. ISCF - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.16%, less than ISCF's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.16%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	3.50%	3.76%	4.29%	3.94%	2.73%	3.93%	2.30%	2.87%	2.14%	1.97%	2.89%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDS and ISCF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, AVDS and ISCF 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 is riskier, AVDS or ISCF?

AVDS has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to ISCF (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDS dropped -13.51% vs ISCF's -40.79%.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or ISCF?

On 1-year performance, AVDS leads with 32.62% vs 21.96% for ISCF. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, ISCF has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDS or ISCF?

Over the 1-year period, AVDS has performed better with a 32.62% return vs 21.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or ISCF?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for ISCF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDS or ISCF?

ISCF has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.16% for AVDS.

What is the main difference between AVDS and ISCF?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.40% for ISCF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.54), 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.