AVSD vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVSD (Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA IMI, while AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSD returned 19.59%/yr vs 17.09%/yr for AVSC. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVSD charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

AVSD vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSD achieves a 7.97% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 16.85% return.

AVSD

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 7.97%
• 6M: 11.12%
• 1Y: 23.43%
• 3Y*: 19.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVSC

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 16.85%
• 6M: 16.56%
• 1Y: 38.76%
• 3Y*: 17.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSD vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	7.97%	37.07%	6.69%	17.49%	-9.69%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	16.85%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-9.12%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSD and AVSC is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2022	0.73

The correlation between AVSD and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVSD vs. AVSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVSD	AVSC
Financial Services	32.2%	22.4%
Industrials	16.8%	13.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	14.9%
Technology	9.7%	12.6%
Healthcare	7.9%	11.5%
Basic Materials	5.9%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.9%	3.0%
Utilities	2.8%	2.0%
Real Estate	2.6%	0.9%
Energy	0.4%	9.5%

Return for Risk

AVSD vs. AVSC — 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: 44
AVSD Omega Ratio Rank: 44
AVSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AVSD Martin Ratio Rank: 44

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 70
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AVSD	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.16	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	3.09	-0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.37	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	4.93	-3.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.20	15.33	-8.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVSD vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSD and AVSC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVSD	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	2.16	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	0.40	+0.38

Drawdowns

AVSD vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSD drawdown since its inception was -25.56%, smaller than the maximum AVSC drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSD and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSD	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.56%	-28.40%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.63%	-7.89%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.30%	-28.40%	+15.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-1.32%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-7.37%	+2.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	2.54%	+0.72%

Volatility

AVSD vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) at 4.49%. This indicates that AVSD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSD	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	4.49%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.75%	11.71%	+1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.23%	18.10%	-2.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	22.34%	-5.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.66%	22.34%	-5.68%

AVSD vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSD has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVSD vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

AVSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, more than AVSC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.92%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	2.44%	2.54%	3.25%	2.53%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSD and AVSC in my portfolio?

AVSD and AVSC have a correlation of 0.70, 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 AVSC?

AVSD has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to AVSC (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSD dropped -25.56% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, AVSD or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSD leads with 19.59% vs 17.09% for AVSC. On fees, AVSD is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, AVSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSD or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSD has performed better with a 19.59% return vs 17.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSD or AVSC?

AVSD is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVSC.

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

AVSD has the higher dividend yield at 2.44%, compared with 0.92% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSD and AVSC?

AVSD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AVSC is Small Cap Value Equities. AVSD tracks MSCI World ex USA IMI, while AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVSD and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 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.