NISM vs. AVDS

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

NISM (NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. NISM charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for AVDS.

Performance

NISM vs. AVDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NISM

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 0.67%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

AVDS

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 1.31%
• 6M: 1.70%
• YTD: 10.12%
• 1Y: 21.51%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.48%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	$1.47M	$2.65M	$2.00M
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	$2.01K	$15.28K	$8.22K

NISM vs. AVDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	-1.67%
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	-2.65%

Correlation

The correlation between NISM and AVDS is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

NISM vs. AVDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

NISM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 55
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

NISM vs. AVDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). 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.

	NISM	AVDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.37	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.94	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.74	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.24	—

Drawdowns

NISM vs. AVDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NISM drawdown since its inception was -4.35%, smaller than the maximum AVDS drawdown of -13.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NISM and AVDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NISM	AVDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-13.51%	+9.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.44%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.74%	-3.41%	+1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.84%	-2.87%	+1.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.47%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NISM	AVDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	15.83%	-1.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	15.46%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.85%	15.46%	-1.61%

NISM vs. AVDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

NISM has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than AVDS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

NISM vs. AVDS - Dividend Comparison

NISM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than AVDS's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.30%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NISM and AVDS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NISM and AVDS 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 ETF is better, NISM or AVDS?

On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NISM or AVDS?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NISM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NISM or AVDS?

AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.24% for NISM.

What is the main difference between NISM and AVDS?

They also come from different issuers: New York Life Investment Management and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NISM and 0.30% for AVDS.