AVES vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

AVES (Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVES is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. AVES is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVES returned 19.86%/yr vs 24.04%/yr for VUG. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVES charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AVES vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) 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, AVES achieves a 18.86% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.94% return.

AVES

• 1D: 2.90%
• 1M: 5.96%
• YTD: 18.86%
• 6M: 21.09%
• 1Y: 35.33%
• 3Y*: 19.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

AVES vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	18.86%	30.49%	4.50%	16.79%	-16.04%	0.95%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	10.05%

Correlation

The correlation between AVES and VUG is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.58

The correlation between AVES and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (3 years) to 0.66 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AVES vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVES

AVES Risk / Return Rank: 63
AVES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AVES Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
AVES Omega Ratio Rank: 68
AVES Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
AVES Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

AVES vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) 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.

	AVES	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.59	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.16	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.28	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	1.60	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.94	5.50	+4.44

AVES vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVES Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVES 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

AVES vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVES drawdown since its inception was -27.40%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVES and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVES	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.40%	-50.68%	+23.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-16.53%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.50%	-22.85%	+4.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.90%	+2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-7.09%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	4.79%	-1.23%

Volatility

AVES vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) has a higher volatility of 9.33% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.32%. This indicates that AVES's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVES	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.33%	6.32%	+3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.11%	13.28%	+2.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.53%	16.65%	+1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.25%	22.34%	-5.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.25%	21.51%	-4.26%

AVES vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVES has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVES vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AVES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.43%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	3.43%	3.17%	4.09%	3.96%	3.70%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	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 AVES and VUG in my portfolio?

AVES and VUG have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVES or VUG?

AVES has higher volatility (9.33%) compared to VUG (6.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVES dropped -27.40% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, AVES or VUG?

On 3-year performance, VUG leads with 24.04% vs 19.86% for AVES. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVES or VUG?

Over the 3-year period, VUG has performed better with a 24.04% return vs 19.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVES or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVES.

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

AVES has the higher dividend yield at 3.43%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between AVES and VUG?

AVES is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for AVES and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVES currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 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.