VTHR vs. AVUS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VTHR (Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF) and AVUS (Avantis U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VTHR is passively managed, while AVUS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTHR returned 11.74%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for AVUS. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VTHR charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AVUS.

Performance

VTHR vs. AVUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTHR achieves a 10.36% return, which is significantly lower than AVUS's 14.70% return.

VTHR

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -0.19%
• 6M: 8.65%
• YTD: 10.36%
• 1Y: 21.54%
• 3Y*: 18.81%
• 5Y*: 11.74%
• 10Y*: 14.55%
• ALL TIME*: 14.17%

AVUS

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.40%
• 6M: 10.85%
• YTD: 14.70%
• 1Y: 27.09%
• 3Y*: 19.20%
• 5Y*: 12.77%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.11%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	$38.25M	$38.50M	$42.86M
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	$9.26M	$9.46M	$10.85M

VTHR vs. AVUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	10.36%	16.99%	23.57%	25.92%	-19.20%	25.49%	20.93%	8.59%
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	14.70%	16.68%	20.43%	21.77%	-13.82%	28.73%	17.58%	8.55%

Correlation

The correlation between VTHR and AVUS is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.96

The correlation between VTHR and AVUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTHR vs. AVUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTHR	AVUS
Technology	35.7%	29.7%
Financial Services	11.9%	16.2%
Industrials	10.0%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	10.5%
Healthcare	9.6%	7.3%
Communication Services	9.3%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.3%
Energy	3.2%	7.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	0.1%
Utilities	2.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	2.0%	2.8%

Return for Risk

VTHR vs. AVUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VTHR

VTHR Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTHR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VTHR Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VTHR Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VTHR Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTHR Martin Ratio Rank: 76

AVUS

AVUS Risk / Return Rank: 85
AVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
AVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
AVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
AVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VTHR vs. AVUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS). 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.

	VTHR	AVUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.95	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.68	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	3.21	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	14.14	-4.57

VTHR vs. AVUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTHR Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the AVUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTHR and AVUS, 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

VTHR vs. AVUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTHR drawdown since its inception was -34.61%, smaller than the maximum AVUS drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTHR and AVUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTHR	AVUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.61%	-37.04%	+2.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.91%	-7.85%	-1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-19.74%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.06%	-22.19%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.21%	-0.71%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.02%	-5.00%	+0.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	1.78%	+0.28%

Volatility

VTHR vs. AVUS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) have volatilities of 3.40% and 3.39%, 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

	VTHR	AVUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	3.39%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	9.93%	+0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	12.94%	+0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	17.32%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	20.71%	-2.87%

VTHR vs. AVUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTHR has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than AVUS's 0.15% 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

VTHR vs. AVUS - Dividend Comparison

VTHR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than AVUS's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	0.93%	1.08%	1.27%	1.41%	1.59%	1.08%	1.19%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	1.03%	1.08%	1.19%	1.47%	1.52%	1.16%	1.37%	1.65%	1.89%	1.63%	1.82%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTHR and AVUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VTHR and AVUS 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, VTHR or AVUS?

VTHR has higher volatility (3.40%) compared to AVUS (3.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTHR dropped -34.61% vs AVUS's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, VTHR or AVUS?

On 5-year performance, AVUS leads with 12.77% vs 11.74% for VTHR. On fees, VTHR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTHR or AVUS?

Over the 5-year period, AVUS has performed better with a 12.77% return vs 11.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTHR or AVUS?

VTHR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AVUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTHR or AVUS?

VTHR has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.93% for AVUS.

What is the main difference between VTHR and AVUS?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VTHR and 0.15% for AVUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.50), 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.