VBR vs. AVUV

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. VBR is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VBR returned 8.60%/yr vs 11.66%/yr for AVUV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

VBR vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) 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, VBR achieves a 14.21% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 21.53% return.

VBR

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 26.15%
• 3Y*: 17.22%
• 5Y*: 8.60%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

AVUV

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 2.99%
• YTD: 21.53%
• 6M: 19.38%
• 1Y: 38.52%
• 3Y*: 20.29%
• 5Y*: 11.66%
• 10Y*: —

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

VBR vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.21%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	6.29%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	21.53%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and AVUV is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.96

The correlation between VBR and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VBR vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBR	AVUV
Financial Services	17.5%	26.1%
Industrials	17.4%	13.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	18.7%
Technology	12.1%	7.4%
Real Estate	10.5%	0.7%
Healthcare	8.3%	4.8%
Basic Materials	6.0%	5.1%
Utilities	4.6%	0.1%
Energy	4.3%	15.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	4.7%
Communication Services	2.8%	3.1%

Return for Risk

VBR vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 60
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 64

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 79
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 71
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

VBR vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VBR	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.20	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.14	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.38	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	4.87	-1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.48	14.43	-3.94

VBR vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR 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

VBR vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than AVUV's maximum drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-49.42%	-12.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-7.95%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-28.79%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-28.79%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.97%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-7.89%	-0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.68%	-0.18%

Volatility

VBR vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 3.97%, while Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) has a volatility of 4.28%. This indicates that VBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVUV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBR	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	4.28%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.69%	11.40%	-0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.29%	17.62%	-2.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	22.64%	-2.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.71%	28.21%	-6.50%

VBR vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than AVUV'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

VBR vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, more than AVUV's 1.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.27%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.72%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBR and AVUV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VBR and AVUV 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, VBR or AVUV?

AVUV has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, VBR or AVUV?

On 5-year performance, AVUV leads with 11.66% vs 8.60% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBR or AVUV?

Over the 5-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 11.66% return vs 8.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or AVUV?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVUV.

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.72%, compared with 1.27% for AVUV.

What is the main difference between VBR and AVUV?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.25% for AVUV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.72), 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.