DGSCX vs. AVUV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DGSCX (Virtus Global Small-Cap Fund) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both funds - DGSCX is a Global Equities fund managed by Allianz, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Over the past 5 years, DGSCX returned 0.29%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for AVUV. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DGSCX charges 1.28%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGSCX achieves a -0.08% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 17.96% return.

DGSCX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: -0.08%
• 6M: -0.84%
• 1Y: -7.68%
• 3Y*: 7.63%
• 5Y*: 0.29%
• 10Y*: 6.89%

AVUV

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 36.48%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 10.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DGSCX Virtus Global Small-Cap Fund	-0.08%	-0.96%	9.71%	24.03%	-24.11%	11.23%	29.79%	8.12%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	17.96%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.50%

Correlation

The correlation between DGSCX and AVUV is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.78

The correlation between DGSCX and AVUV shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DGSCX vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGSCX

DGSCX Risk / Return Rank: 1
DGSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DGSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DGSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DGSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DGSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 67
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DGSCX	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.61	2.10	-2.71
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.80	3.02	-3.82
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.36	-0.45
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.45	4.61	-5.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-1.00	13.69	-14.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGSCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.61, which is lower than the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGSCX and AVUV, 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

	DGSCX	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.61	2.10	-2.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.02	0.47	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.56	-0.17

Drawdowns

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGSCX drawdown since its inception was -68.18%, which is greater than AVUV's maximum drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGSCX and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGSCX	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.18%	-49.42%	-18.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-7.95%	-8.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-28.79%	+10.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.49%	-28.79%	-8.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.85%	-1.12%	-9.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.68%	-7.95%	-11.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.57%	2.67%	+4.90%

Volatility

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Global Small-Cap Fund (DGSCX) is 3.73%, while Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) has a volatility of 4.08%. This indicates that DGSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVUV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGSCX	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	4.08%	-0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.64%	11.34%	-1.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.31%	17.54%	-5.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.97%	22.74%	-4.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.29%	28.30%	-9.01%

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGSCX has a 1.28% expense ratio, which is higher than AVUV's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGSCX vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

DGSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, more than AVUV's 1.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.29%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%
DGSCX Virtus Global Small-Cap Fund	4.61%	4.61%	14.50%	0.84%	2.64%	30.56%	4.16%	7.03%	21.96%	7.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGSCX and AVUV in my portfolio?

DGSCX and AVUV have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGSCX or AVUV?

AVUV has higher volatility (4.08%) compared to DGSCX (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGSCX dropped -68.18% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs -0.61), 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.