JSML vs. AVUV

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. JSML is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, JSML returned 7.67%/yr vs 14.00%/yr for AVUV. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JSML charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

JSML vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSML achieves a 21.35% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 24.50% return.

JSML

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -0.10%
• 6M: 14.90%
• YTD: 21.35%
• 1Y: 32.46%
• 3Y*: 15.84%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 12.63%

AVUV

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: 3.07%
• 6M: 16.58%
• YTD: 24.50%
• 1Y: 37.34%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 14.00%
• 10Y*: —

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

JSML vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	21.35%	13.41%	12.45%	30.09%	-29.40%	3.08%	35.38%	11.98%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	24.50%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between JSML and AVUV is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.81

The correlation between JSML and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSML vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSML	AVUV
Healthcare	25.2%	4.8%
Technology	21.1%	7.4%
Industrials	13.8%	13.6%
Financial Services	8.8%	26.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	18.7%
Basic Materials	3.3%	5.1%
Energy	2.6%	15.8%
Real Estate	2.6%	0.7%
Communication Services	1.7%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	4.7%
Utilities	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

JSML vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 52
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 48
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 56

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 86
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 81
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

JSML vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV). 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.

	JSML	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.19	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	3.15	-1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.38	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	4.72	-2.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.72	14.06	-6.34

JSML vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSML and AVUV, 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

JSML vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSML drawdown since its inception was -39.65%, smaller than the maximum AVUV drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSML and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSML	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.65%	-49.42%	+9.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.84%	-7.95%	-6.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.60%	-28.79%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.91%	-28.79%	-9.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.59%	0.00%	-4.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-7.83%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.22%	2.66%	+1.56%

Volatility

JSML vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) has a higher volatility of 5.81% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) at 2.95%. This indicates that JSML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVUV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSML	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	2.95%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.32%	11.11%	+6.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	17.15%	+5.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.52%	22.51%	+2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.26%	28.10%	-3.84%

JSML vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSML has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than AVUV's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSML vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

JSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than AVUV's 1.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.24%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.61%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSML and AVUV in my portfolio?

JSML and AVUV have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSML or AVUV?

JSML has higher volatility (5.81%) compared to AVUV (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSML dropped -39.65% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, JSML or AVUV?

On 5-year performance, AVUV leads with 14.00% vs 7.67% for JSML. On fees, AVUV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSML or AVUV?

Over the 5-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 14.00% return vs 7.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSML or AVUV?

AVUV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for JSML.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JSML or AVUV?

AVUV has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.61% for JSML.

What is the main difference between JSML and AVUV?

JSML is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while AVUV is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSML and 0.25% for AVUV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.46), 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.