IDEV vs. AVEM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IDEV (iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IDEV tracks the MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index while AVEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IDEV returned 8.88%/yr vs 10.44%/yr for AVEM. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDEV charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

IDEV vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDEV achieves a 9.92% return, which is significantly lower than AVEM's 29.38% return.

IDEV

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 9.92%
• 6M: 13.26%
• 1Y: 23.41%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: —

AVEM

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 10.00%
• YTD: 29.38%
• 6M: 31.57%
• 1Y: 57.57%
• 3Y*: 26.65%
• 5Y*: 10.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

IDEV vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	9.92%	32.56%	4.54%	17.36%	-14.99%	13.00%	8.32%	6.98%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	29.38%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-18.15%	5.16%	14.39%	11.13%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEV and AVEM is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 20, 2019	0.79

The correlation between IDEV and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDEV vs. AVEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDEV	AVEM
Financial Services	24.2%	20.7%
Industrials	19.1%	9.2%
Technology	9.9%	32.3%
Healthcare	8.6%	2.8%
Basic Materials	8.0%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	3.1%
Energy	5.9%	5.1%
Communication Services	4.0%	5.4%
Utilities	3.7%	2.6%
Real Estate	2.9%	1.6%

Return for Risk

IDEV vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDEV

IDEV Risk / Return Rank: 47
IDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
IDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
IDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 51

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 85
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
AVEM 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.

IDEV vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). 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.

	IDEV	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	2.98	-1.36
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	3.80	-1.49
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.54	-0.25
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	4.50	-2.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.73	17.88	-9.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IDEV vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is lower than the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDEV and AVEM, 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

	IDEV	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	2.98	-1.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.57	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.67	-0.11

Drawdowns

IDEV vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEV drawdown since its inception was -34.77%, roughly equal to the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEV and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEV	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.77%	-36.05%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-13.13%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-18.02%	+4.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.15%	-34.00%	+4.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	0.00%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.57%	-10.10%	+3.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.30%	-0.45%

Volatility

IDEV vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) is 4.71%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a volatility of 8.14%. This indicates that IDEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDEV	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	8.14%	-3.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	16.64%	-4.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.52%	19.40%	-4.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	18.33%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	20.55%	-3.28%

IDEV vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEV has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDEV vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

IDEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.10%, more than AVEM's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.95%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	3.10%	3.40%	3.30%	3.07%	2.69%	3.05%	2.00%	3.18%	3.16%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEV and AVEM in my portfolio?

IDEV and AVEM have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDEV or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (8.14%) compared to IDEV (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDEV dropped -34.77% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, IDEV or AVEM?

On 5-year performance, AVEM leads with 10.44% vs 8.88% for IDEV. On fees, IDEV is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IDEV has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDEV or AVEM?

Over the 5-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 10.44% return vs 8.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEV or AVEM?

IDEV is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDEV or AVEM?

IDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.10%, compared with 1.95% for AVEM.

What is the main difference between IDEV and AVEM?

IDEV tracks MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index, while AVEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and American Century. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IDEV and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.98 vs 1.62), 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.