EES vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

EES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. EES is passively managed, while AVSC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, EES returned 15.27%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

EES vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EES achieves a 20.91% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 25.77% return.

EES

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 4.69%
• 6M: 14.53%
• YTD: 20.91%
• 1Y: 33.42%
• 3Y*: 15.27%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 11.03%

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)

EES vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
EES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund	20.91%	6.99%	9.86%	18.53%	-15.78%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between EES 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.97

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

Return for Risk

EES vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EES

EES Risk / Return Rank: 81
EES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
EES Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
EES Omega Ratio Rank: 75
EES Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
EES Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

EES vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	EES	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.29	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	3.29	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.39	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.21	5.13	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.57	16.14	-3.57

EES vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EES Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EES 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

EES vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EES drawdown since its inception was -63.66%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EES and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EES	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.66%	-28.40%	-35.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.98%	-7.89%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.15%	-28.40%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.31%	-7.26%	-3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	2.50%	+0.16%

Volatility

EES vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund (EES) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) have volatilities of 3.38% 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

	EES	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.54%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.36%	11.93%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.99%	17.71%	-0.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.42%	22.17%	-0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.70%	22.17%	+1.53%

EES vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EES vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

EES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, 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%
EES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund	1.12%	1.29%	1.37%	1.18%	1.12%	1.69%	1.29%	1.31%	1.81%	0.93%	1.02%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EES and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, EES 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, EES or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to EES (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EES dropped -63.66% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, EES or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 15.27% for EES. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, EES has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EES or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 15.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EES or AVSC?

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

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

EES has the higher dividend yield at 1.12%, compared with 0.91% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between EES and AVSC?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.98), 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.