RAYJ vs. AVEM

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

RAYJ (Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAYJ is a Japan Equities fund actively managed by Rayliant, while AVEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RAYJ returned 33.21% vs 39.70% for AVEM. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RAYJ charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with RAYJ having a 22.70% return and AVEM slightly higher at 23.01%.

RAYJ

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -0.38%
• 6M: 15.37%
• YTD: 22.70%
• 1Y: 33.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVEM

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -1.65%
• 6M: 18.46%
• YTD: 23.01%
• 1Y: 39.70%
• 3Y*: 23.66%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RAYJ Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF	22.70%	20.16%	10.53%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.01%	34.48%	3.35%

Correlation

The correlation between RAYJ and AVEM is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2024	0.56

The correlation between RAYJ and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYJ	AVEM
Industrials	29.6%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	23.8%	8.2%
Technology	23.2%	39.5%
Basic Materials	7.5%	7.3%
Financial Services	6.6%	18.6%
Healthcare	3.5%	2.5%
Real Estate	2.8%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	2.8%
Communication Services	1.5%	4.9%
Energy	-	4.3%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

RAYJ vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAYJ

RAYJ Risk / Return Rank: 48
RAYJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
RAYJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
RAYJ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
RAYJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
RAYJ Martin Ratio Rank: 50

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 69
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) 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.

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.

	RAYJ	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.74	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	2.28	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.33	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.02	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.82	10.71	-3.89

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RAYJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RAYJ 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.

Drawdowns

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYJ drawdown since its inception was -15.96%, smaller than the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYJ and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYJ	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.96%	-36.05%	+20.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.00%	-13.13%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.02%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.24%	-6.03%	-1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.57%	-10.01%	+6.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.56%	3.70%	+0.86%

Volatility

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is 10.01%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a volatility of 10.84%. This indicates that RAYJ 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

	RAYJ	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.01%	10.84%	-0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.59%	20.75%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.98%	22.79%	+2.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.29%	19.12%	+4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.29%	20.96%	+2.33%

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYJ has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYJ vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

RAYJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, more than AVEM's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.86%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%
RAYJ Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF	4.60%	1.72%	0.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAYJ and AVEM in my portfolio?

RAYJ and AVEM have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RAYJ or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to RAYJ (10.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RAYJ dropped -15.96% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, RAYJ or AVEM?

On 1-year performance, AVEM leads with 39.70% vs 33.21% for RAYJ. On fees, AVEM is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, RAYJ has been the lower-risk option at 10.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RAYJ or AVEM?

Over the 1-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 39.70% return vs 33.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYJ or AVEM?

AVEM is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for RAYJ.

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

RAYJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 1.86% for AVEM.

What is the main difference between RAYJ and AVEM?

RAYJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while AVEM is Emerging Markets Equities. They also come from different issuers: Rayliant and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for RAYJ and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.25), 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.