AVUV vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds from Avantis. AVUV is actively managed, while AVSC is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVUV returned 20.03%/yr vs 18.70%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

AVUV vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AVUV having a 20.76% return and AVSC slightly higher at 21.15%.

AVUV

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.33%
• YTD: 20.76%
• 6M: 18.72%
• 1Y: 38.38%
• 3Y*: 20.03%
• 5Y*: 11.59%
• 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)

AVUV vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	20.76%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-7.42%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	21.15%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUV and AVSC is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.97

The correlation between AVUV and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVUV vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 75
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

AVUV vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) 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.

	AVUV	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.33	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	3.32	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.85	5.36	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.37	16.79	-2.42

AVUV vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUV 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

AVUV vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUV drawdown since its inception was -49.42%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUV and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUV	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.42%	-28.40%	-21.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-7.89%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.79%	-28.40%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-0.53%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.89%	-7.35%	-0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.51%	+0.17%

Volatility

AVUV vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is 4.28%, while Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that AVUV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVUV	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	4.70%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.39%	11.99%	-0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	18.18%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.65%	22.28%	+0.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.22%	22.28%	+5.94%

AVUV vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AVUV and AVSC have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVUV vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

AVUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than AVSC's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.95%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.28%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUV and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVUV and AVSC 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, AVUV or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to AVUV (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUV dropped -49.42% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, AVUV or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVUV leads with 20.03% vs 18.70% for AVSC. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVUV or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 20.03% return vs 18.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVUV or AVSC?

AVUV and AVSC have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

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

AVUV has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 1.20% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.19), 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.