AVSC vs. AVEM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while AVEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. AVSC is passively managed, while AVEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 16.83%/yr vs 23.94%/yr for AVEM. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

AVSC vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSC achieves a 19.48% return, which is significantly lower than AVEM's 26.29% return.

AVSC

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 5.07%
• YTD: 19.48%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 41.59%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVEM

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 6.27%
• YTD: 26.29%
• 6M: 31.17%
• 1Y: 48.95%
• 3Y*: 23.94%
• 5Y*: 10.32%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSC vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	19.48%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	26.29%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-20.61%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSC and AVEM is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.61

The correlation between AVSC and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVSC vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 86

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 77
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

AVSC vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AVSC	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.31	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	2.97	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.43	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	3.75	+1.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.59	14.25	+2.34

AVSC vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSC and AVEM, 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

AVSC vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSC	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-36.05%	+7.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-13.13%	+5.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-18.02%	-10.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-2.39%	+0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-10.06%	+2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	3.44%	-0.93%

Volatility

AVSC vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) is 4.99%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a volatility of 10.87%. This indicates that AVSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSC	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	10.87%	-5.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	19.05%	-7.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.17%	21.38%	-3.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.30%	18.77%	+3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	20.79%	+1.51%

AVSC vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVSC vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than AVEM's 2.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.56%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.22%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSC and AVEM in my portfolio?

AVSC and AVEM have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVSC or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (10.87%) compared to AVSC (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, AVSC or AVEM?

On 3-year performance, AVEM leads with 23.94% vs 16.83% for AVSC. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, AVSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSC or AVEM?

Over the 3-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 23.94% return vs 16.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSC or AVEM?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVEM.

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

AVEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 1.22% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSC and AVEM?

AVSC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while AVEM is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 2.30), 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.