DES vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. DES is passively managed, while AVSC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DES returned 15.04%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

DES vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) 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 DES having a 24.63% return and AVSC slightly higher at 25.77%.

DES

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: 4.99%
• 6M: 16.48%
• YTD: 24.63%
• 1Y: 30.86%
• 3Y*: 15.04%
• 5Y*: 9.02%
• 10Y*: 8.23%

AVSC

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.22%
• 6M: 16.71%
• YTD: 25.77%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: 17.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DES vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	24.63%	0.25%	9.93%	16.50%	-11.50%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between DES and AVSC is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.95

The correlation between DES and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DES vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 79
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 78

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 88
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DES vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) 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.

	DES	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.29	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	3.29	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.06	5.13	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.65	16.14	-4.49

DES vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DES Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DES 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

DES vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DES drawdown since its inception was -65.48%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DES and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DES	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.48%	-28.40%	-37.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.64%	-7.89%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-28.40%	+3.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.16%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.63%	-7.26%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	2.50%	+0.16%

Volatility

DES vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) have volatilities of 3.69% and 3.54%, 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

	DES	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.69%	3.54%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	11.93%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.02%	17.71%	-1.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.46%	22.17%	-2.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.91%	22.17%	-0.26%

DES vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DES vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

DES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than AVSC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.22%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DES and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DES 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, DES or AVSC?

DES has higher volatility (3.69%) compared to AVSC (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DES dropped -65.48% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, DES or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 15.04% for DES. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, AVSC has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DES or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 15.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DES or AVSC?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for DES.

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

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.91% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between DES and AVSC?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Avantis Investors. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DES and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.94), 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.