AVSE vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVSE (Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSE is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, while AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSE returned 24.48%/yr vs 18.70%/yr for AVSC. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVSE charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

AVSE vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) 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, AVSE achieves a 23.92% return, which is significantly higher than AVSC's 21.15% return.

AVSE

• 1D: -5.42%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 23.92%
• 6M: 24.59%
• 1Y: 44.42%
• 3Y*: 24.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVSC

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 21.15%
• 6M: 19.08%
• 1Y: 42.10%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSE vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSE Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.92%	32.54%	8.29%	16.01%	-14.43%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	21.15%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-10.81%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSE and AVSC is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.59

The correlation between AVSE and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVSE vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSE

AVSE Risk / Return Rank: 66
AVSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AVSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AVSE Omega Ratio Rank: 69
AVSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
AVSE Martin Ratio Rank: 70

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

AVSE vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) 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.

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.

	AVSE	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	2.33	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	3.32	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	5.36	-2.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.04	16.79	-4.74

AVSE vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSE Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSE 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.

Drawdowns

AVSE vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSE drawdown since its inception was -26.28%, smaller than the maximum AVSC drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSE and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSE	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.28%	-28.40%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.17%	-7.89%	-6.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.68%	-28.40%	+10.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.42%	-0.53%	-4.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.78%	-7.35%	+0.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	2.51%	+1.19%

Volatility

AVSE vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) has a higher volatility of 12.30% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) at 4.70%. This indicates that AVSE'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

	AVSE	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.30%	4.70%	+7.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.98%	11.99%	+7.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.13%	18.18%	+3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	22.28%	-3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	22.28%	-3.60%

AVSE vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSE has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVSE vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

AVSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.81%, more than AVSC's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.20%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%
AVSE Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.81%	2.68%	3.03%	3.20%	1.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSE and AVSC in my portfolio?

AVSE and AVSC have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVSE or AVSC?

AVSE has higher volatility (12.30%) compared to AVSC (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSE dropped -26.28% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, AVSE or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSE leads with 24.48% vs 18.70% for AVSC. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, AVSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSE or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSE has performed better with a 24.48% return vs 18.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSE or AVSC?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVSE.

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

AVSE has the higher dividend yield at 2.81%, compared with 1.20% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSE and AVSC?

AVSE is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while AVSC is Small Cap Value Equities. AVSE tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index, while AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for AVSE and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.02), 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.