VLLU vs. AVLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and AVLV (Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - VLLU tracks the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index while AVLV tracks the Russell 1000 Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 25.99% vs 38.77% for AVLV. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AVLV.

Performance

VLLU vs. AVLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLLU achieves a 11.69% return, which is significantly lower than AVLV's 20.64% return.

VLLU

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 6.81%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 14.52%
• 1Y: 25.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVLV

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 5.75%
• YTD: 20.64%
• 6M: 22.01%
• 1Y: 38.77%
• 3Y*: 23.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VLLU vs. AVLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	11.69%	17.35%	2.68%
AVLV Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF	20.64%	15.12%	6.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and AVLV is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.89

The correlation between VLLU and AVLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

VLLU vs. AVLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLLU	AVLV
Financial Services	27.0%	16.3%
Technology	23.8%	17.2%
Healthcare	13.6%	5.6%
Energy	9.4%	14.4%
Industrials	7.3%	15.4%
Communication Services	6.3%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	7.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	14.1%
Basic Materials	3.0%	2.0%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. AVLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 76
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 79

AVLV

AVLV Risk / Return Rank: 91
AVLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
AVLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
AVLV Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AVLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVLV Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VLLU vs. AVLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV). 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.

	VLLU	AVLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	3.18	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	4.39	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.57	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.12	6.09	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.10	24.39	-9.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLLU vs. AVLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is comparable to the AVLV Sharpe Ratio of 3.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU and AVLV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VLLU	AVLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	3.18	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	0.86	+0.40

Drawdowns

VLLU vs. AVLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, smaller than the maximum AVLV drawdown of -19.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and AVLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	AVLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-19.50%	+2.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-6.39%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-3.93%	+1.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.59%	+0.14%

Volatility

VLLU vs. AVLV - Volatility Comparison

Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) has a higher volatility of 3.54% compared to Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV) at 3.12%. This indicates that VLLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLLU	AVLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	3.12%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.20%	9.04%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.02%	12.29%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.85%	17.35%	-2.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.85%	17.35%	-2.50%

VLLU vs. AVLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than AVLV's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VLLU vs. AVLV - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than AVLV's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVLV Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF	1.07%	1.33%	1.58%	1.85%	2.00%	0.29%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.36%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and AVLV in my portfolio?

VLLU and AVLV have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLLU or AVLV?

VLLU has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to AVLV (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs AVLV's -19.50%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or AVLV?

On 1-year performance, AVLV leads with 38.77% vs 25.99% for VLLU. On fees, AVLV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AVLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLLU or AVLV?

Over the 1-year period, AVLV has performed better with a 38.77% return vs 25.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or AVLV?

AVLV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VLLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VLLU or AVLV?

VLLU has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.07% for AVLV.

What is the main difference between VLLU and AVLV?

VLLU tracks Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while AVLV tracks Russell 1000 Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and American Century. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.15% for AVLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.17 vs 2.37), 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.