AVSD vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVSD (Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - AVSD tracks the MSCI World ex USA IMI while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSD returned 19.84%/yr vs 19.47%/yr for VEA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVSD charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

AVSD vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSD achieves a 7.98% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 13.11% return.

AVSD

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 7.98%
• 6M: 7.54%
• 1Y: 23.70%
• 3Y*: 19.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -3.07%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 13.11%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

AVSD vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	7.98%	37.07%	6.69%	17.49%	-8.97%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	13.11%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-8.79%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSD and VEA is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2022	0.98

The correlation between AVSD and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVSD vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVSD	VEA
Financial Services	31.1%	22.3%
Industrials	16.6%	17.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	7.4%
Technology	10.6%	16.6%
Healthcare	7.7%	7.6%
Basic Materials	6.5%	7.5%
Communication Services	5.4%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	5.5%
Utilities	2.7%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.5%
Energy	0.3%	4.7%

Return for Risk

AVSD vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSD

AVSD Risk / Return Rank: 44
AVSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AVSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
AVSD Omega Ratio Rank: 45
AVSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
AVSD Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 55
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.81	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.48	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.33	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.62	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.25	10.06	-2.81

AVSD vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSD and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSD drawdown since its inception was -25.56%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSD and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSD	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.56%	-60.68%	+35.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.63%	-11.63%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.30%	-13.45%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.81%	-3.07%	+1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-13.26%	+8.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.02%	+0.26%

Volatility

AVSD vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF (AVSD) is 5.23%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 7.09%. This indicates that AVSD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSD	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.23%	7.09%	-1.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.49%	14.74%	-1.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.76%	16.79%	-1.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.71%	16.76%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.71%	17.21%	-0.50%

AVSD vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSD has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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

AVSD vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

AVSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than VEA's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSD Avantis Responsible International Equity ETF	3.81%	2.54%	3.25%	2.53%	1.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.58%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSD and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, AVSD and VEA 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, AVSD or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (7.09%) compared to AVSD (5.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSD dropped -25.56% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, AVSD or VEA?

On 3-year performance, AVSD leads with 19.84% vs 19.47% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VEA?

Over the 3-year period, AVSD has performed better with a 19.84% return vs 19.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSD or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for AVSD.

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

AVSD has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 2.58% for VEA.

What is the main difference between AVSD and VEA?

AVSD tracks MSCI World ex USA IMI, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVSD and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.51), 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.