HAPS vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

HAPS (Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. HAPS is passively managed, while AVSC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HAPS returned 12.60%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AVSC. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HAPS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

HAPS vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) 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, HAPS achieves a 20.78% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 25.77% return.

HAPS

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.09%
• 6M: 14.26%
• YTD: 20.78%
• 1Y: 31.92%
• 3Y*: 12.60%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

HAPS vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HAPS Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF	20.78%	8.35%	4.08%	13.63%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.36%

Correlation

The correlation between HAPS and AVSC is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2023	0.95

The correlation between HAPS and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HAPS vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAPS

HAPS Risk / Return Rank: 75
HAPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
HAPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
HAPS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
HAPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
HAPS Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

HAPS vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) 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.

	HAPS	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.29	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	3.29	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	5.13	-1.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	16.14	-5.27

HAPS vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAPS Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAPS 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

HAPS vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAPS drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, roughly equal to the maximum AVSC drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAPS and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAPS	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-28.40%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.01%	-7.89%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-28.40%	+0.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.92%	-7.26%	+1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	2.50%	+0.44%

Volatility

HAPS vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) 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

	HAPS	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	11.91%	11.93%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.80%	17.71%	-0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	22.17%	-1.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.61%	22.17%	-1.56%

HAPS vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAPS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAPS vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

HAPS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, less than AVSC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%
HAPS Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF	0.47%	0.57%	0.72%	0.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAPS and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, HAPS 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, HAPS or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to HAPS (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAPS dropped -27.44% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, HAPS or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 12.60% for HAPS. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HAPS 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, HAPS or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 12.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAPS or AVSC?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HAPS.

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

AVSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.47% for HAPS.

What is the main difference between HAPS and AVSC?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Avantis Investors. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HAPS and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.91), 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.