VTI vs. AVUS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and AVUS (Avantis U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VTI is passively managed, while AVUS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTI returned 12.19%/yr vs 12.59%/yr for AVUS. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTI charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AVUS.

Performance

VTI vs. AVUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) 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, VTI achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly lower than AVUS's 12.20% return.

VTI

• 1D: -2.68%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.29%
• 1Y: 26.04%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: 14.71%

AVUS

• 1D: -2.49%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 12.20%
• 6M: 12.17%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: 21.42%
• 5Y*: 12.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTI vs. AVUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.72%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	8.80%
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	12.20%	16.68%	20.43%	21.77%	-13.82%	28.73%	17.58%	8.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and AVUS is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.97

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

VTI vs. AVUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	AVUS
Technology	33.5%	27.5%
Financial Services	12.0%	15.2%
Communication Services	10.3%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	11.8%
Industrials	9.8%	11.5%
Healthcare	9.2%	7.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.4%
Energy	3.7%	7.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	0.2%
Utilities	2.3%	2.5%
Basic Materials	2.0%	2.7%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. AVUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

AVUS

AVUS Risk / Return Rank: 79
AVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
AVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 76
AVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
AVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

VTI vs. AVUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) 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.

	VTI	AVUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.46	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.32	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.44	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.89	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.45	17.63	-4.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTI vs. AVUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the AVUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VTI	AVUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.10	2.46	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.73	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.78	-0.28

Drawdowns

VTI vs. AVUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than AVUS's maximum drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and AVUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	AVUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-37.04%	-18.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-7.85%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-19.74%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-22.19%	-3.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.93%	-2.49%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-5.09%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.73%	+0.21%

Volatility

VTI vs. AVUS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) have volatilities of 3.90% and 3.75%, 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

	VTI	AVUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.90%	3.75%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.55%	9.37%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.48%	12.41%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.44%	17.32%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	20.86%	-2.54%

VTI vs. AVUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTI has a 0.03% 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

VTI vs. AVUS - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than AVUS's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	0.92%	1.08%	1.27%	1.41%	1.59%	1.08%	1.19%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTI and AVUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VTI 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, VTI or AVUS?

VTI has higher volatility (3.90%) compared to AVUS (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs AVUS's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or AVUS?

On 5-year performance, AVUS leads with 12.59% vs 12.19% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AVUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTI or AVUS?

Over the 5-year period, AVUS has performed better with a 12.59% return vs 12.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or AVUS?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AVUS.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.92% for AVUS.

What is the main difference between VTI and AVUS?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTI and 0.15% for AVUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 2.10), 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.