FYT vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FYT (First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds - FYT tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Value Index while AVSC tracks the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FYT returned 17.05%/yr vs 18.70%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FYT charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

FYT vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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, FYT achieves a 20.07% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 21.15% return.

FYT

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 3.60%
• YTD: 20.07%
• 6M: 18.81%
• 1Y: 38.55%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.15%
• 10Y*: 10.80%

AVSC

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 21.15%
• 6M: 19.08%
• 1Y: 42.10%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FYT vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FYT First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	20.07%	4.00%	3.24%	22.90%	-14.83%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	21.15%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between FYT and AVSC is 0.91, 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	0.91
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 FYT and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FYT vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FYT

FYT Risk / Return Rank: 74
FYT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FYT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FYT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FYT Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FYT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

FYT vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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.

	FYT	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.33	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	3.32	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.65	5.36	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.20	16.79	-3.58

FYT vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FYT Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FYT 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

FYT vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FYT drawdown since its inception was -50.48%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FYT and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FYT	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.48%	-28.40%	-22.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-7.89%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.90%	-28.40%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-0.53%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.51%	-7.35%	-1.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.51%	+0.42%

Volatility

FYT vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) is 4.31%, while Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that FYT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FYT	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.70%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.63%	11.99%	-0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.77%	18.18%	+0.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.53%	22.28%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.94%	22.28%	+3.66%

FYT vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FYT has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

FYT vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

FYT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than AVSC's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.20%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FYT First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.08%	0.94%	2.07%	1.50%	1.36%	1.19%	0.96%	1.44%	1.78%	1.16%	1.16%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FYT and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FYT 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, FYT or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to FYT (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FYT dropped -50.48% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, FYT or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 18.70% vs 17.05% for FYT. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FYT has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FYT or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 18.70% return vs 17.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FYT or AVSC?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for FYT.

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

AVSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 1.08% for FYT.

What is the main difference between FYT and AVSC?

FYT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Value Index, while AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for FYT and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.06), 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.