AVSC vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds - AVSC tracks the Russell 2000 Index while VBR tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 18.76%/yr vs 16.95%/yr for VBR. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

AVSC vs. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSC achieves a 21.34% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 13.42% return.

AVSC

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 4.53%
• YTD: 21.34%
• 6M: 18.56%
• 1Y: 44.03%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

AVSC vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	21.34%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-10.16%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSC and VBR is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.96

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

Return for Risk

AVSC vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 82
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 72
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 86

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). 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	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	1.82	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	2.67	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.31	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.61	3.14	+2.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.56	11.11	+6.45

AVSC vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSC and VBR, 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. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSC	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-61.98%	+33.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-8.85%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-24.19%	-4.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.19%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-1.03%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-8.25%	+0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.50%	+0.01%

Volatility

AVSC vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has a higher volatility of 4.68% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.97%. This indicates that AVSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSC	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.68%	3.97%	+0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.00%	10.66%	+1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.21%	15.33%	+2.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.29%	19.73%	+2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.29%	21.75%	+0.54%

AVSC vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR'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. VBR - Dividend Comparison

AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.20%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSC and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AVSC and VBR 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 VBR?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.68%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, AVSC or VBR?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 18.76% vs 16.95% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSC or VBR?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 18.76% return vs 16.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSC or VBR?

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

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.20% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSC and VBR?

AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.82), 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.