AVEM vs. VB

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. AVEM is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVEM returned 9.57%/yr vs 6.83%/yr for VB. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVEM charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

AVEM vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVEM achieves a 24.56% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.53% return.

AVEM

• 1D: 4.59%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 24.56%
• 6M: 25.81%
• 1Y: 45.40%
• 3Y*: 24.22%
• 5Y*: 9.57%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 2.50%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 14.53%
• 6M: 11.37%
• 1Y: 27.63%
• 3Y*: 16.36%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: 11.49%

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

AVEM vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	24.56%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-18.15%	5.16%	14.39%	10.40%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.53%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	5.97%

Correlation

The correlation between AVEM and VB is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 19, 2019	0.66

The correlation between AVEM and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVEM vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVEM	VB
Technology	32.3%	17.2%
Financial Services	20.7%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	11.3%
Industrials	9.2%	20.8%
Basic Materials	8.1%	4.8%
Communication Services	5.4%	3.1%
Energy	5.1%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.4%
Healthcare	2.8%	11.1%
Utilities	2.6%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.6%	7.6%

Return for Risk

AVEM vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 65
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

AVEM vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	AVEM	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.67	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.39	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.29	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	3.09	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.23	11.33	+1.89

AVEM vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVEM and VB, 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

AVEM vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVEM drawdown since its inception was -36.05%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVEM and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVEM	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.05%	-59.56%	+23.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.13%	-8.98%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.02%	-25.36%	+7.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.88%	-28.15%	-5.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.73%	-0.37%	-3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.08%	-8.43%	-1.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	2.45%	+0.99%

Volatility

AVEM vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a higher volatility of 11.06% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 5.40%. This indicates that AVEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVEM	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.06%	5.40%	+5.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.80%	12.32%	+6.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.17%	16.67%	+4.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.71%	20.80%	-2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.77%	21.45%	-0.68%

AVEM vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVEM has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVEM vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

AVEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, more than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.60%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVEM and VB in my portfolio?

AVEM and VB have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVEM or VB?

AVEM has higher volatility (11.06%) compared to VB (5.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVEM dropped -36.05% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, AVEM or VB?

On 5-year performance, AVEM leads with 9.57% vs 6.83% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 5.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVEM or VB?

Over the 5-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 9.57% return vs 6.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVEM or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVEM or VB?

AVEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 1.19% for VB.

What is the main difference between AVEM and VB?

AVEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for AVEM and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.67), 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.