AVDV vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVDV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. AVDV is actively managed, while XLU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVDV returned 13.63%/yr vs 9.41%/yr for XLU. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AVDV charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

AVDV vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDV achieves a 14.99% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.04% return.

AVDV

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 14.99%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 41.91%
• 3Y*: 26.72%
• 5Y*: 13.63%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

AVDV vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	14.99%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-11.47%	15.80%	5.01%	11.78%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDV and XLU is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.36

AVDV vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDV	XLU
Industrials	22.8%	-
Basic Materials	21.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	-
Financial Services	13.6%	-
Energy	9.6%	-
Technology	6.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	-
Communication Services	2.4%	-
Healthcare	2.3%	-
Utilities	1.7%	100.0%
Real Estate	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

AVDV vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 86
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

AVDV vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	AVDV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	0.81	+1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	1.18	+2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.15	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	1.30	+1.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.44	2.80	+9.65

AVDV vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDV and XLU, 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

AVDV vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDV drawdown since its inception was -43.01%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDV and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDV	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.01%	-51.98%	+8.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.19%	-9.18%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.17%	-17.26%	+3.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.08%	-25.26%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.24%	-6.05%	+3.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.76%	-10.22%	+3.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.30%	4.25%	-0.95%

Volatility

AVDV vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) has a higher volatility of 6.26% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.59%. This indicates that AVDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDV	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.26%	5.59%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.88%	11.68%	+2.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.25%	14.66%	+1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	17.34%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.77%	19.27%	+0.50%

AVDV vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDV has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDV vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

AVDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.11%, more than XLU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	4.11%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDV and XLU in my portfolio?

AVDV and XLU have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVDV or XLU?

AVDV has higher volatility (6.26%) compared to XLU (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDV dropped -43.01% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, AVDV or XLU?

On 5-year performance, AVDV leads with 13.63% vs 9.41% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDV or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, AVDV has performed better with a 13.63% return vs 9.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDV or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDV or XLU?

AVDV has the higher dividend yield at 4.11%, compared with 2.67% for XLU.

What is the main difference between AVDV and XLU?

AVDV is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for AVDV and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 0.81), 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.