AVUS vs. VTHR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVUS (Avantis U.S. Equity ETF) and VTHR (Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AVUS is actively managed, while VTHR is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVUS returned 13.04%/yr vs 12.66%/yr for VTHR. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTHR.

Performance

AVUS vs. VTHR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) and Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVUS achieves a 14.42% return, which is significantly higher than VTHR's 10.94% return.

AVUS

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 4.77%
• YTD: 14.42%
• 6M: 14.71%
• 1Y: 32.34%
• 3Y*: 22.35%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: —

VTHR

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 10.94%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 27.71%
• 3Y*: 21.93%
• 5Y*: 12.66%
• 10Y*: 14.95%

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

AVUS vs. VTHR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	14.42%	16.68%	20.43%	21.77%	-13.82%	28.73%	17.58%	8.87%
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	10.94%	16.99%	23.57%	25.92%	-19.20%	25.49%	20.93%	8.93%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUS and VTHR 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	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.96

The correlation between AVUS and VTHR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVUS vs. VTHR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVUS	VTHR
Technology	27.5%	33.1%
Financial Services	15.2%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	10.2%
Industrials	11.5%	9.6%
Communication Services	9.8%	10.5%
Energy	7.4%	3.8%
Healthcare	7.1%	9.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	4.7%
Basic Materials	2.7%	2.2%
Utilities	2.5%	2.3%
Real Estate	0.2%	2.4%

Return for Risk

AVUS vs. VTHR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUS

AVUS Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
AVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 79
AVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
AVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 86

VTHR

VTHR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VTHR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTHR Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VTHR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VTHR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTHR Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

AVUS vs. VTHR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) and Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR). 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.

	AVUS	VTHR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	2.27	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.66	3.13	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.40	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.14	3.12	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.85	14.34	+4.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVUS vs. VTHR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is comparable to the VTHR Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUS and VTHR, 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

	AVUS	VTHR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.68	2.27	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	0.74	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.80	0.86	-0.06

Drawdowns

AVUS vs. VTHR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUS drawdown since its inception was -37.04%, which is greater than VTHR's maximum drawdown of -34.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUS and VTHR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUS	VTHR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.04%	-34.61%	-2.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-8.91%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.74%	-19.36%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.19%	-25.06%	+2.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-0.70%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.09%	-4.04%	-1.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.72%	1.94%	-0.22%

Volatility

AVUS vs. VTHR - Volatility Comparison

Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) and Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) have volatilities of 2.98% and 2.98%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVUS	VTHR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.98%	2.98%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	9.28%	-0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.15%	12.30%	-0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	17.30%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.85%	17.84%	+3.01%

AVUS vs. VTHR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VTHR's 0.07% 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

AVUS vs. VTHR - Dividend Comparison

AVUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than VTHR's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	0.91%	1.08%	1.27%	1.41%	1.59%	1.08%	1.19%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	1.00%	1.08%	1.19%	1.47%	1.52%	1.16%	1.37%	1.65%	1.89%	1.63%	1.82%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUS and VTHR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, AVUS and VTHR 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, AVUS or VTHR?

VTHR has higher volatility (2.98%) compared to AVUS (2.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUS dropped -37.04% vs VTHR's -34.61%.

Which ETF is better, AVUS or VTHR?

On 5-year performance, AVUS leads with 13.04% vs 12.66% for VTHR. On fees, VTHR is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVUS or VTHR?

Over the 5-year period, AVUS has performed better with a 13.04% return vs 12.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVUS or VTHR?

VTHR is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AVUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVUS or VTHR?

VTHR has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.91% for AVUS.

What is the main difference between AVUS and VTHR?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AVUS and 0.07% for VTHR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 2.27), 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.