VTV vs. AVUV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. VTV is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTV returned 12.12%/yr vs 13.17%/yr for AVUV. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTV charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

VTV vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) 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, VTV achieves a 14.78% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 22.92% return.

VTV

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 0.70%
• 6M: 10.51%
• YTD: 14.78%
• 1Y: 24.67%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 12.12%
• 10Y*: 12.25%
• ALL TIME*: 9.62%

AVUV

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 2.11%
• 6M: 15.52%
• YTD: 22.92%
• 1Y: 34.78%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 13.17%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.12%

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

VTV vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	14.78%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	8.17%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	22.92%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VTV and AVUV is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.84

The correlation between VTV and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTV vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTV	AVUV
Financial Services	22.4%	27.8%
Technology	15.3%	7.4%
Healthcare	15.2%	5.3%
Industrials	14.3%	13.5%
Consumer Defensive	8.7%	4.9%
Energy	6.9%	13.9%
Utilities	4.8%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	18.5%
Basic Materials	3.0%	4.8%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.5%	0.7%

Return for Risk

VTV vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 90
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 89
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 89

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 86
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 81
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AVUV 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.

VTV vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) 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.

	VTV	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	2.04	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	2.97	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.36	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	4.39	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.77	13.09	+1.69

VTV vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTV Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTV 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

VTV vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTV drawdown since its inception was -59.27%, which is greater than AVUV's maximum drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTV and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTV	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.27%	-49.42%	-9.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.35%	-7.95%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	-28.79%	+14.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.04%	-28.79%	+11.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.19%	-1.27%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.83%	-7.82%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	2.66%	-0.99%

Volatility

VTV vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) have volatilities of 2.58% and 2.66%, 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

	VTV	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.58%	2.66%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.79%	11.10%	-3.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.33%	17.14%	-6.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.82%	22.45%	-8.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.61%	28.08%	-11.47%

VTV vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTV has a 0.04% 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

VTV vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

VTV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, more than AVUV's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.25%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.89%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTV and AVUV in my portfolio?

VTV and AVUV have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTV or AVUV?

AVUV has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to VTV (2.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTV dropped -59.27% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, VTV or AVUV?

On 5-year performance, AVUV leads with 13.17% vs 12.12% for VTV. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% 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, VTV or AVUV?

Over the 5-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 13.17% return vs 12.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTV or AVUV?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVUV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTV or AVUV?

VTV has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 1.25% for AVUV.

What is the main difference between VTV and AVUV?

VTV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while AVUV is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VTV and 0.25% for AVUV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.04), 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.