VFSAX vs. AVDVX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VFSAX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) and AVDVX (Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VFSAX returned 5.08%/yr vs 13.58%/yr for AVDVX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VFSAX charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDVX.

Performance

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFSAX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class (AVDVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSAX achieves a 6.29% return, which is significantly lower than AVDVX's 11.86% return.

VFSAX

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -3.13%
• 6M: 3.03%
• YTD: 6.29%
• 1Y: 15.87%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 5.08%
• 10Y*: —

AVDVX

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: -2.92%
• 6M: 7.90%
• YTD: 11.86%
• 1Y: 31.77%
• 3Y*: 23.97%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VFSAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	6.29%	29.89%	2.58%	15.13%	-21.30%	12.68%	11.90%	5.85%
AVDVX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class	11.86%	48.24%	8.41%	16.75%	-10.88%	15.46%	5.65%	5.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSAX and AVDVX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.94

The correlation between VFSAX and AVDVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFSAX vs. AVDVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSAX

VFSAX Risk / Return Rank: 27
VFSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VFSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VFSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VFSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VFSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

AVDVX

AVDVX Risk / Return Rank: 69
AVDVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
AVDVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AVDVX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
AVDVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AVDVX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFSAX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class (AVDVX). 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.

	VFSAX	AVDVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.95	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	2.66	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.35	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	2.47	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.92	9.13	-4.21

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is lower than the AVDVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSAX and AVDVX, 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

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSAX drawdown since its inception was -39.86%, smaller than the maximum AVDVX drawdown of -43.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSAX and AVDVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSAX	AVDVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.86%	-43.06%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-12.92%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.73%	-13.84%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.81%	-27.37%	-6.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-5.28%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-6.66%	-2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.49%	-0.21%

Volatility

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFSAX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class (AVDVX) have volatilities of 5.59% and 5.85%, 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

	VFSAX	AVDVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	5.85%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.75%	13.98%	-1.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.51%	16.36%	-1.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.25%	16.89%	-1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	19.43%	-2.37%

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSAX has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDVX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFSAX vs. AVDVX - Dividend Comparison

VFSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.21%, less than AVDVX's 9.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDVX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class	9.37%	10.48%	4.35%	3.52%	3.33%	4.23%	1.35%	0.39%
VFSAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.21%	3.31%	3.36%	3.06%	2.22%	2.67%	1.85%	3.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSAX and AVDVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VFSAX and AVDVX 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, VFSAX or AVDVX?

AVDVX has higher volatility (5.85%) compared to VFSAX (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSAX dropped -39.86% vs AVDVX's -43.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.12), 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.