IJS vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IJS (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds - IJS tracks the S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Value Index while AVSC tracks the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IJS returned 14.01%/yr vs 17.09%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

IJS vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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, IJS achieves a 15.13% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 16.85% return.

IJS

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: 15.13%
• 6M: 14.62%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 14.01%
• 5Y*: 5.55%
• 10Y*: 10.07%

AVSC

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 16.85%
• 6M: 16.56%
• 1Y: 38.76%
• 3Y*: 17.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IJS vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	15.13%	6.54%	7.33%	14.68%	-12.53%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	16.85%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-11.72%

Correlation

The correlation between IJS and AVSC is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2022	0.97

The correlation between IJS and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJS vs. AVSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJS	AVSC
Financial Services	19.8%	22.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.9%	14.9%
Industrials	11.6%	13.0%
Technology	11.3%	12.6%
Real Estate	8.7%	0.9%
Energy	7.6%	9.5%
Healthcare	7.6%	11.5%
Basic Materials	7.1%	5.5%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	4.8%
Utilities	2.2%	2.0%

Return for Risk

IJS vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJS

IJS Risk / Return Rank: 64
IJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
IJS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
IJS Martin Ratio Rank: 69

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 70
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

IJS vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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.

	IJS	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.16	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	3.09	-0.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	4.93	-0.94
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.05	15.33	-2.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJS vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJS Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJS 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IJS	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	2.16	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.40	0.00

Drawdowns

IJS vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJS drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJS and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJS	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-28.40%	-31.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-7.89%	-1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.65%	-28.40%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.22%	-1.32%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.89%	-7.37%	-2.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.54%	+0.29%

Volatility

IJS vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) have volatilities of 4.42% and 4.49%, 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

	IJS	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.49%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.52%	11.71%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.31%	18.10%	+0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.98%	22.34%	-0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	22.34%	+1.26%

IJS vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IJS and AVSC have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJS vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

IJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than AVSC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.92%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	1.29%	1.62%	1.78%	1.42%	1.46%	1.52%	1.00%	1.66%	1.75%	1.41%	1.22%	1.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJS and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IJS 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, IJS or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to IJS (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJS dropped -60.11% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, IJS or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.09% vs 14.01% for IJS. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJS or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.09% return vs 14.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJS or AVSC?

IJS and AVSC have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

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

IJS has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.92% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between IJS and AVSC?

IJS tracks S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Value Index, while AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Avantis.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.03), 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.