AVSC vs. USVM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and USVM (VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while USVM is a Momentum fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 19.17%/yr vs 20.99%/yr for USVM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for USVM.

Performance

AVSC vs. USVM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSC achieves a 22.59% return, which is significantly higher than USVM's 19.39% return.

AVSC

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: 5.61%
• YTD: 22.59%
• 6M: 20.01%
• 1Y: 41.77%
• 3Y*: 19.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USVM

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 19.39%
• 6M: 17.30%
• 1Y: 32.30%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 10.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSC vs. USVM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	22.59%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	19.39%	10.56%	16.59%	18.90%	-11.70%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSC and USVM is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.96

The correlation between AVSC and USVM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVSC vs. USVM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 83
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 74
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 87

USVM

USVM Risk / Return Rank: 78
USVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
USVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
USVM Omega Ratio Rank: 72
USVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
USVM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. USVM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) and VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM). 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	USVM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.17	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	3.14	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.32	3.88	+1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.66	14.62	+2.04

AVSC vs. USVM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the USVM Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSC and USVM, 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. USVM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum USVM drawdown of -42.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and USVM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSC	USVM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-42.38%	+13.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-8.36%	+0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-24.34%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.35%	-7.85%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.22%	+0.29%

Volatility

AVSC vs. USVM - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has a higher volatility of 4.76% compared to VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) at 4.08%. This indicates that AVSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USVM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSC	USVM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	4.08%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.04%	11.04%	+1.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.18%	14.95%	+3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.28%	19.63%	+2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.28%	21.96%	+0.32%

AVSC vs. USVM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than USVM's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVSC vs. USVM - Dividend Comparison

AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than USVM's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.94%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	1.76%	1.84%	1.75%	1.63%	1.43%	0.70%	1.21%	1.77%	1.43%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSC and USVM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVSC and USVM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVSC or USVM?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to USVM (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs USVM's -42.38%.

Which ETF is better, AVSC or USVM?

On 3-year performance, USVM leads with 20.99% vs 19.17% for AVSC. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, USVM has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSC or USVM?

Over the 3-year period, USVM has performed better with a 20.99% return vs 19.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSC or USVM?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for USVM.

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

USVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.76%, compared with 0.94% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSC and USVM?

AVSC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while USVM is Momentum. AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index, while USVM tracks Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Victory Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.29% for USVM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 2.17), 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.