AVSC vs. VB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AVSC is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 17.28%/yr vs 14.96%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

AVSC vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) 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, AVSC achieves a 25.77% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 16.28% return.

AVSC

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.22%
• 6M: 16.71%
• YTD: 25.77%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: 17.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.76%
• 6M: 8.76%
• YTD: 16.28%
• 1Y: 25.42%
• 3Y*: 14.96%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 11.14%

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

AVSC vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	16.28%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-15.98%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSC and VB is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.95

The correlation between AVSC and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVSC vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 88
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 62
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AVSC	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	1.55	+0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.26	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.27	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.13	2.84	+2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.14	10.37	+5.78

AVSC vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is higher than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSC 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

AVSC vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSC	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-59.56%	+31.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-8.98%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-25.36%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.71%	+1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.26%	-8.40%	+1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.46%	+0.04%

Volatility

AVSC vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) have volatilities of 3.54% and 3.38%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSC	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	3.38%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.93%	12.07%	-0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.71%	16.47%	+1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.17%	20.74%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.17%	21.36%	+0.81%

AVSC vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVSC vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than VB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	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 AVSC and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, AVSC and VB 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 VB?

AVSC has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to VB (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, AVSC or VB?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 14.96% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSC or VB?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 14.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSC or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVSC.

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

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.91% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSC and VB?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis Investors and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.55), 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.