VGIT vs. AVXC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VGIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF) and AVXC (Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGIT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while AVXC is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Avantis. VGIT is passively managed, while AVXC is actively managed. Over the past year, VGIT returned 3.43% vs 55.53% for AVXC. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVXC.

Performance

VGIT vs. AVXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGIT achieves a -0.29% return, which is significantly lower than AVXC's 31.49% return.

VGIT

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: -0.29%
• 6M: 0.04%
• 1Y: 3.43%
• 3Y*: 3.69%
• 5Y*: 0.01%
• 10Y*: 1.20%

AVXC

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 5.51%
• YTD: 31.49%
• 6M: 35.68%
• 1Y: 55.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGIT vs. AVXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	-0.29%	7.34%	2.56%
AVXC Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF	31.49%	31.45%	-1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VGIT and AVXC is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2024	0.15

Return for Risk

VGIT vs. AVXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGIT

VGIT Risk / Return Rank: 28
VGIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VGIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGIT Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VGIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VGIT Martin Ratio Rank: 26

AVXC

AVXC Risk / Return Rank: 84
AVXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
AVXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AVXC Omega Ratio Rank: 86
AVXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
AVXC Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

VGIT vs. AVXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC). 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.

	VGIT	AVXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	2.45	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	3.13	-1.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.45	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	3.82	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.18	14.82	-11.64

VGIT vs. AVXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGIT Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the AVXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGIT and AVXC, 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

VGIT vs. AVXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGIT drawdown since its inception was -16.05%, smaller than the maximum AVXC drawdown of -20.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGIT and AVXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGIT	AVXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.05%	-20.44%	+4.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-14.04%	+11.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.22%	-3.33%	+1.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-3.81%	+0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	3.61%	-2.60%

Volatility

VGIT vs. AVXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is 1.15%, while Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC) has a volatility of 11.39%. This indicates that VGIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGIT	AVXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.15%	11.39%	-10.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.40%	19.80%	-17.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.34%	21.88%	-18.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.38%	19.26%	-13.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.50%	19.26%	-14.76%

VGIT vs. AVXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than AVXC's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGIT vs. AVXC - Dividend Comparison

VGIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, more than AVXC's 2.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVXC Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF	2.06%	1.97%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	3.86%	3.79%	3.67%	2.73%	1.74%	1.69%	2.23%	2.24%	2.05%	1.67%	1.69%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGIT and AVXC in my portfolio?

VGIT and AVXC have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGIT or AVXC?

AVXC has higher volatility (11.39%) compared to VGIT (1.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGIT dropped -16.05% vs AVXC's -20.44%.

Which ETF is better, VGIT or AVXC?

On 1-year performance, AVXC leads with 55.53% vs 3.43% for VGIT. On fees, VGIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGIT has been the lower-risk option at 1.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGIT or AVXC?

Over the 1-year period, AVXC has performed better with a 55.53% return vs 3.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGIT or AVXC?

VGIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVXC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGIT or AVXC?

VGIT has the higher dividend yield at 3.86%, compared with 2.06% for AVXC.

What is the main difference between VGIT and AVXC?

VGIT is categorized as Government Bonds, while AVXC is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGIT and 0.33% for AVXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 0.96), 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.