AVUV vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. AVUV is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVUV returned 10.66%/yr vs 14.33%/yr for VUG. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVUV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AVUV vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVUV achieves a 17.68% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.80% return.

AVUV

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.57%
• YTD: 17.68%
• 6M: 17.05%
• 1Y: 37.41%
• 3Y*: 18.50%
• 5Y*: 10.66%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 23.98%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

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

AVUV vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	17.68%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.50%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.80%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	9.32%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUV and VUG is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.55

The correlation between AVUV and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.58 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AVUV vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVUV	VUG
Financial Services	25.8%	4.3%
Energy	18.2%	0.4%
Consumer Cyclical	18.0%	12.2%
Industrials	13.9%	3.6%
Technology	7.0%	53.5%
Basic Materials	4.9%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	1.5%
Healthcare	4.2%	4.6%
Communication Services	2.8%	17.3%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.0%
Utilities	0.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

AVUV vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 71
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 38
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AVUV	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.48	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	2.01	+1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.26	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.73	1.46	+3.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.03	5.09	+8.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVUV vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUV and VUG, 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

	AVUV	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.48	+0.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.65	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.61	-0.05

Drawdowns

AVUV vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUV drawdown since its inception was -49.42%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUV and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUV	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.42%	-50.68%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-16.53%	+8.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.79%	-22.85%	-5.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.79%	-35.61%	+6.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-4.83%	+3.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.94%	-7.09%	-0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	4.72%	-2.05%

Volatility

AVUV vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is 4.30%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that AVUV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVUV	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.30%	5.17%	-0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.36%	12.68%	-1.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.56%	16.26%	+1.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.74%	22.27%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.29%	21.47%	+6.82%

AVUV vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG'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

AVUV vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AVUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.30%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUV and VUG in my portfolio?

AVUV and VUG have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVUV or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to AVUV (4.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUV dropped -49.42% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, AVUV or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 14.33% vs 10.66% for AVUV. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVUV or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 14.33% return vs 10.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVUV or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVUV.

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

AVUV has the higher dividend yield at 1.30%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between AVUV and VUG?

AVUV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVUV and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.48), 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.