AVDS vs. NISM

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and NISM (NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NISM.

Performance

AVDS vs. NISM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

AVDS

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -1.37%
• 6M: 6.08%
• YTD: 9.91%
• 1Y: 23.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NISM

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -0.13%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVDS vs. NISM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	-2.83%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	-1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and NISM is 0.87, 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 May 13, 2026	0.87

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. NISM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 51
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

NISM

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.

AVDS vs. NISM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM). 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.

	AVDS	NISM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.86	—	—

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. NISM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, which is greater than NISM's maximum drawdown of -4.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and NISM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	NISM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-4.35%	-9.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.59%	-1.74%	-1.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.85%	-1.72%	-1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	NISM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.54%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.67%	14.24%	+1.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.47%	14.24%	+1.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.47%	14.24%	+1.23%

AVDS vs. NISM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than NISM's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. NISM - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than NISM's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.31%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDS and NISM in my portfolio?

AVDS and NISM have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or NISM?

On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or NISM?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NISM.

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

AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 0.24% for NISM.

What is the main difference between AVDS and NISM?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and New York Life Investment Management. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.70% for NISM.