AVSD vs. AVEM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

AVSD (Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA IMI, while AVEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. AVSD is passively managed, while AVEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSD returned 19.73%/yr vs 24.74%/yr for AVEM. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVSD charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

AVSD vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) 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, AVSD achieves a 7.69% return, which is significantly lower than AVEM's 23.85% return.

AVSD

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 7.69%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: 21.84%
• 3Y*: 19.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVEM

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 2.44%
• YTD: 23.85%
• 6M: 24.09%
• 1Y: 42.57%
• 3Y*: 24.74%
• 5Y*: 9.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSD vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	7.69%	37.07%	6.69%	17.49%	-8.97%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.85%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-11.74%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSD and AVEM is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2022	0.78

The correlation between AVSD and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVSD vs. AVEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVSD	AVEM
Financial Services	31.1%	18.6%
Industrials	16.6%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	8.2%
Technology	10.6%	39.5%
Healthcare	7.7%	2.5%
Basic Materials	6.5%	7.3%
Communication Services	5.4%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.8%
Utilities	2.7%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	1.5%
Energy	0.3%	4.3%

Return for Risk

AVSD vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSD

AVSD Risk / Return Rank: 43
AVSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
AVSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
AVSD Omega Ratio Rank: 44
AVSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
AVSD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 68
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

AVSD vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) 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.

	AVSD	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.94	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.50	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.37	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	3.26	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.68	12.27	-5.60

AVSD vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSD 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

AVSD vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSD drawdown since its inception was -25.56%, smaller than the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSD and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSD	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.56%	-36.05%	+10.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.63%	-13.13%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.30%	-18.02%	+4.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-5.39%	+3.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-10.04%	+5.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.48%	-0.20%

Volatility

AVSD vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) is 5.23%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a volatility of 12.54%. This indicates that AVSD 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

	AVSD	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.23%	12.54%	-7.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.48%	20.05%	-6.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.75%	22.22%	-6.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.70%	18.98%	-2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.70%	20.91%	-4.21%

AVSD vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSD has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVSD vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

AVSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than AVEM's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.85%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	2.37%	2.54%	3.25%	2.53%	1.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSD and AVEM in my portfolio?

AVSD and AVEM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVSD or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (12.54%) compared to AVSD (5.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSD dropped -25.56% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, AVSD or AVEM?

On 3-year performance, AVEM leads with 24.74% vs 19.73% for AVSD. On fees, AVSD is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, AVSD has been the lower-risk option at 5.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSD or AVEM?

Over the 3-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 24.74% return vs 19.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSD or AVEM?

AVSD is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVEM.

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

AVSD has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 1.85% for AVEM.

What is the main difference between AVSD and AVEM?

AVSD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AVEM is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVSD and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.40), 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.