VGT vs. AVDV

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while AVDV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. VGT is passively managed, while AVDV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VGT returned 20.35%/yr vs 13.63%/yr for AVDV. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDV.

Performance

VGT vs. AVDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 24.03% return, which is significantly higher than AVDV's 14.99% return.

VGT

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 24.03%
• 6M: 24.13%
• 1Y: 50.48%
• 3Y*: 29.84%
• 5Y*: 20.35%
• 10Y*: 25.19%

AVDV

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 14.99%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 41.91%
• 3Y*: 26.72%
• 5Y*: 13.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGT vs. AVDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	24.03%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	13.58%
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	14.99%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-11.47%	15.80%	5.01%	11.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and AVDV is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.58

The correlation between VGT and AVDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

VGT vs. AVDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	AVDV
Technology	98.5%	6.6%
Communication Services	0.5%	2.4%
Financial Services	0.5%	13.6%
Industrials	0.4%	22.8%
Energy	0.3%	9.6%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	15.4%
Basic Materials	0.0%	21.0%
Healthcare	0.0%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.4%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

VGT vs. AVDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 70
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 59

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 86
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

VGT vs. AVDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). 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.

	VGT	AVDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.53	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	3.36	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.46	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	3.12	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.11	12.44	-3.34

VGT vs. AVDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the AVDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and AVDV, 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

VGT vs. AVDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than AVDV's maximum drawdown of -43.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and AVDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	AVDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-43.01%	-11.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-13.19%	-3.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-14.17%	-13.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-28.08%	-6.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.18%	-2.24%	-4.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-6.76%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.28%	3.30%	+1.98%

Volatility

VGT vs. AVDV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 10.00% compared to Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) at 6.26%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	AVDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.00%	6.26%	+3.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.00%	13.88%	+4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.00%	16.25%	+5.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.40%	17.41%	+7.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.72%	19.77%	+4.95%

VGT vs. AVDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDV's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. AVDV - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than AVDV's 4.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	4.11%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and AVDV in my portfolio?

VGT and AVDV have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGT or AVDV?

VGT has higher volatility (10.00%) compared to AVDV (6.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs AVDV's -43.01%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or AVDV?

On 5-year performance, VGT leads with 20.35% vs 13.63% for AVDV. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, AVDV has been the lower-risk option at 6.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or AVDV?

Over the 5-year period, VGT has performed better with a 20.35% return vs 13.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or AVDV?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGT or AVDV?

AVDV has the higher dividend yield at 4.11%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and AVDV?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while AVDV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.36% for AVDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.19), 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.