SVAL vs. AVSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SVAL (iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds - SVAL tracks the Russell 2000 Focused Value Select Index while AVSC tracks the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SVAL returned 17.30%/yr vs 17.09%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SVAL charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

SVAL vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) 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, SVAL achieves a 15.99% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 16.85% return.

SVAL

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 2.08%
• YTD: 15.99%
• 6M: 15.39%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 17.30%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: —

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)

SVAL vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SVAL iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF	15.99%	8.23%	7.54%	12.27%	-12.13%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	16.85%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-11.72%

Correlation

The correlation between SVAL 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2022	0.95

The correlation between SVAL and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SVAL vs. AVSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SVAL	AVSC
Financial Services	23.7%	22.4%
Industrials	15.8%	13.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	14.9%
Technology	10.7%	12.6%
Healthcare	10.3%	11.5%
Energy	7.7%	9.5%
Basic Materials	6.1%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	4.8%
Utilities	3.3%	2.0%
Real Estate	2.7%	0.9%
Communication Services	1.8%	3.0%

Return for Risk

SVAL vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVAL

SVAL Risk / Return Rank: 64
SVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

SVAL vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) 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.

	SVAL	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.16	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.09	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	4.93	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.29	15.33	-3.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SVAL vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVAL 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

	SVAL	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	2.16	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.40	+0.30

Drawdowns

SVAL vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SVAL drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, roughly equal to the maximum AVSC drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SVAL and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SVAL	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-28.40%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-7.89%	-1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-28.40%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-1.32%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.51%	-7.37%	-1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.54%	+0.31%

Volatility

SVAL vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) have volatilities of 4.31% 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

	SVAL	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.49%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	11.71%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.87%	18.10%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	22.34%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.27%	22.34%	+0.93%

SVAL vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SVAL has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SVAL vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

SVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than AVSC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.92%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%
SVAL iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.27%	2.33%	1.82%	2.25%	2.09%	2.33%	0.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SVAL and AVSC in my portfolio?

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

AVSC has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to SVAL (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVAL dropped -27.44% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, SVAL or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, SVAL leads with 17.30% vs 17.09% for AVSC. On fees, SVAL is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, SVAL has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVAL or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, SVAL has performed better with a 17.30% return vs 17.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVAL or AVSC?

SVAL is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVSC.

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

SVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 0.92% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between SVAL and AVSC?

SVAL tracks Russell 2000 Focused Value Select Index, while AVSC tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for SVAL and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.97), 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.