CATF vs. AVES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CATF (American Century California Municipal Bond ETF) and AVES (Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CATF is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by American Century, while AVES is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by American Century. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CATF returned 7.98% vs 37.50% for AVES. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CATF charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVES.

Performance

CATF vs. AVES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) and Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CATF achieves a 1.92% return, which is significantly lower than AVES's 16.79% return.

CATF

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 1.92%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 7.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVES

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 16.79%
• 6M: 19.15%
• 1Y: 37.50%
• 3Y*: 20.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CATF vs. AVES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CATF American Century California Municipal Bond ETF	1.92%	3.78%	0.66%
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	16.79%	30.49%	-3.17%

Correlation

The correlation between CATF and AVES is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 19, 2024	0.14

Return for Risk

CATF vs. AVES — Risk / Return Rank

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

CATF

CATF Risk / Return Rank: 74
CATF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
CATF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
CATF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
CATF Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
CATF Martin Ratio Rank: 58

AVES

AVES Risk / Return Rank: 61
AVES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AVES Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AVES Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AVES Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
AVES Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

CATF vs. AVES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) and Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES). 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.

	CATF	AVES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	2.19	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.89	2.90	+1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.40	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	2.92	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	10.84	-0.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CATF vs. AVES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CATF Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the AVES Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CATF and AVES, 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

	CATF	AVES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	2.19	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	0.61	+0.18

Drawdowns

CATF vs. AVES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CATF drawdown since its inception was -4.83%, smaller than the maximum AVES drawdown of -27.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CATF and AVES.

Drawdown Indicators

	CATF	AVES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.83%	-27.40%	+22.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	-12.90%	+10.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-1.36%	+0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.27%	-7.73%	+6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	3.47%	-2.68%

Volatility

CATF vs. AVES - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) is 1.06%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) has a volatility of 6.93%. This indicates that CATF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CATF	AVES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.06%	6.93%	-5.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.18%	14.44%	-12.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.14%	17.19%	-14.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.33%	16.98%	-12.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.33%	16.98%	-12.65%

CATF vs. AVES - Expense Ratio Comparison

CATF has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than AVES's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

CATF vs. AVES - Dividend Comparison

CATF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than AVES's 2.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.81%	3.17%	4.09%	3.96%	3.70%	0.62%
CATF American Century California Municipal Bond ETF	3.22%	3.40%	1.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CATF and AVES in my portfolio?

CATF and AVES have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CATF or AVES?

AVES has higher volatility (6.93%) compared to CATF (1.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CATF dropped -4.83% vs AVES's -27.40%.

Which ETF is better, CATF or AVES?

On 1-year performance, AVES leads with 37.50% vs 7.98% for CATF. On fees, CATF is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, CATF has been the lower-risk option at 1.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CATF or AVES?

Over the 1-year period, AVES has performed better with a 37.50% return vs 7.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CATF or AVES?

CATF is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CATF or AVES?

CATF has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 2.81% for AVES.

What is the main difference between CATF and AVES?

CATF is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while AVES is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for CATF and 0.36% for AVES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CATF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 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.