AVFIX vs. VEXRX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVFIX (American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund) and VEXRX (Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - AVFIX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by American Beacon, while VEXRX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, AVFIX returned 11.02%/yr vs 14.09%/yr for VEXRX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVFIX charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VEXRX.

Performance

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (AVFIX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVFIX achieves a 24.84% return, which is significantly higher than VEXRX's 18.16% return. Over the past 10 years, AVFIX has underperformed VEXRX with an annualized return of 11.02%, while VEXRX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.09% annualized return.

AVFIX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.89%
• YTD: 24.84%
• 6M: 22.64%
• 1Y: 40.00%
• 3Y*: 17.32%
• 5Y*: 9.66%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

VEXRX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 4.50%
• YTD: 18.16%
• 6M: 15.82%
• 1Y: 30.78%
• 3Y*: 18.27%
• 5Y*: 7.18%
• 10Y*: 14.09%

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

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVFIX American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund	24.84%	4.91%	7.48%	16.76%	-8.03%	28.32%	4.05%	23.52%	-15.78%	8.74%
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	18.16%	7.19%	17.40%	19.90%	-23.23%	16.07%	31.51%	31.42%	-2.34%	22.64%

Correlation

The correlation between AVFIX and VEXRX is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.92

The correlation between AVFIX and VEXRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVFIX vs. VEXRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVFIX

AVFIX Risk / Return Rank: 74
AVFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
AVFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
AVFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AVFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VEXRX

VEXRX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VEXRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VEXRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VEXRX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VEXRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VEXRX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (AVFIX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX). 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.

	AVFIX	VEXRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	1.81	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	2.55	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.55	3.16	+1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.98	12.19	+1.79

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVFIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the VEXRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVFIX and VEXRX, 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

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVFIX drawdown since its inception was -61.40%, which is greater than VEXRX's maximum drawdown of -57.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVFIX and VEXRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVFIX	VEXRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.40%	-57.26%	-4.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.17%	-10.16%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.94%	-24.35%	-4.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.94%	-32.67%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.78%	-39.86%	-9.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	0.00%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-9.92%	+0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.63%	+0.35%

Volatility

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (AVFIX) is 5.30%, while Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) has a volatility of 5.96%. This indicates that AVFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEXRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVFIX	VEXRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.96%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.76%	13.47%	-0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	17.72%	+1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.42%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.55%	21.88%	+2.67%

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVFIX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXRX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVFIX vs. VEXRX - Dividend Comparison

AVFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.57%, more than VEXRX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVFIX American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund	8.57%	10.70%	8.67%	4.91%	17.72%	11.86%	0.88%	1.84%	15.05%	9.66%	3.04%	6.00%
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	6.38%	7.54%	12.72%	0.89%	5.22%	16.17%	6.76%	5.08%	11.13%	11.46%	4.63%	10.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVFIX and VEXRX in my portfolio?

AVFIX and VEXRX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVFIX or VEXRX?

VEXRX has higher volatility (5.96%) compared to AVFIX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVFIX dropped -61.40% vs VEXRX's -57.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.81), 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.