VISGX vs. AVUV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VISGX (Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both funds - VISGX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Over the past 5 years, VISGX returned 5.42%/yr vs 11.94%/yr for AVUV. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VISGX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

VISGX vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) 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, VISGX achieves a 18.31% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 20.76% return.

VISGX

• 1D: 2.00%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 18.31%
• 6M: 14.61%
• 1Y: 32.75%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: 5.42%
• 10Y*: 11.74%

AVUV

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 2.33%
• YTD: 20.76%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 39.60%
• 3Y*: 20.03%
• 5Y*: 11.94%
• 10Y*: —

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

VISGX vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	18.31%	8.18%	14.80%	22.91%	-28.50%	5.58%	35.11%	7.63%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	20.76%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VISGX and AVUV is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.78

The correlation between VISGX and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISGX vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISGX

VISGX Risk / Return Rank: 44
VISGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VISGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VISGX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VISGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VISGX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 76
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 68
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VISGX vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) 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.

	VISGX	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	2.26	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	3.21	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	5.00	-2.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.77	14.84	-4.07

VISGX vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISGX 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

VISGX vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISGX drawdown since its inception was -58.74%, which is greater than AVUV's maximum drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISGX and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISGX	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.74%	-49.42%	-9.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-7.95%	-3.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.58%	-28.79%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.41%	-28.79%	-9.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.61%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.60%	-7.90%	-3.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	2.68%	+0.36%

Volatility

VISGX vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) at 4.28%. This indicates that VISGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVUV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISGX	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.29%	4.28%	+3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.86%	11.39%	+4.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.28%	17.67%	+2.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.71%	22.65%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.05%	28.23%	-5.18%

VISGX vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISGX has a 0.19% 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

VISGX vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

VISGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than AVUV's 1.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.63%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	0.34%	0.33%	0.42%	0.56%	0.46%	0.23%	0.35%	0.47%	0.65%	0.71%	0.97%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISGX and AVUV in my portfolio?

VISGX and AVUV have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISGX or AVUV?

VISGX has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to AVUV (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISGX dropped -58.74% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.62), 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.