VB vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VB is passively managed, while AVSC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VB returned 14.96%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AVSC. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

VB vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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, VB achieves a 16.28% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 25.77% return.

VB

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.76%
• 6M: 8.76%
• YTD: 16.28%
• 1Y: 25.42%
• 3Y*: 14.96%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 11.14%

AVSC

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.22%
• 6M: 16.71%
• YTD: 25.77%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: 17.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VB vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	16.28%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-15.98%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and AVSC is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.95

The correlation between VB and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VB vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 62
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 88
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

VB vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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.

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.

	VB	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.29	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	3.29	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	5.13	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	16.14	-5.78

VB vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB 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.

Drawdowns

VB vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-28.40%	-31.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-7.89%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-28.40%	+3.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.71%	0.00%	-1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.40%	-7.26%	-1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	2.50%	-0.04%

Volatility

VB vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) have volatilities of 3.38% and 3.54%, 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

	VB	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.54%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	11.93%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.47%	17.71%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	22.17%	-1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.36%	22.17%	-0.81%

VB vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% 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

VB vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, more than AVSC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VB 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, VB or AVSC?

AVSC has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to VB (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, VB or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 14.96% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 14.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or AVSC?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVSC.

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

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.91% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between VB and AVSC?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis Investors. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.25% for AVSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.55), 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.