WSML vs. AVUV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

WSML (iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WSML is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Small Cap Index, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. WSML is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past year, WSML returned 24.16% vs 34.78% for AVUV. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure.

Performance

WSML vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) 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, WSML achieves a 13.15% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 22.92% return.

WSML

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -2.15%
• 6M: 6.46%
• YTD: 13.15%
• 1Y: 24.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 33.99%

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)

WSML vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	13.15%	29.10%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	22.92%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between WSML and AVUV is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.83

The correlation between WSML and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

WSML vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WSML	AVUV
Industrials	19.2%	13.5%
Technology	16.5%	7.4%
Financial Services	14.3%	27.8%
Healthcare	10.7%	5.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	18.5%
Real Estate	7.7%	0.7%
Basic Materials	7.3%	4.8%
Energy	4.7%	13.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	4.9%
Utilities	2.9%	0.2%
Communication Services	2.6%	2.9%

Return for Risk

WSML vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

WSML

WSML Risk / Return Rank: 65
WSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
WSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
WSML Omega Ratio Rank: 62
WSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
WSML Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

WSML vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) 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.

	WSML	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.04	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.97	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.36	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	4.39	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.97	13.09	-4.12

WSML vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WSML 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

WSML vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSML drawdown since its inception was -10.70%, smaller than the maximum AVUV drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSML and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSML	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.70%	-49.42%	+38.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.70%	-7.95%	-2.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.79%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.17%	-1.27%	-1.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-7.82%	+6.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.66%	+0.04%

Volatility

WSML vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) has a higher volatility of 3.65% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) at 2.66%. This indicates that WSML'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

	WSML	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	2.66%	+0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.27%	11.10%	+1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.54%	17.14%	-1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.62%	22.45%	-4.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.62%	28.08%	-10.46%

Dividends

WSML vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

WSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than AVUV's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.25%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	2.85%	2.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WSML and AVUV in my portfolio?

WSML and AVUV have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WSML or AVUV?

WSML has higher volatility (3.65%) compared to AVUV (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSML dropped -10.70% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, WSML or AVUV?

On 1-year performance, AVUV leads with 34.78% vs 24.16% for WSML. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WSML or AVUV?

Over the 1-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 34.78% return vs 24.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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

WSML has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 1.25% for AVUV.

What is the main difference between WSML and AVUV?

WSML is categorized as Global Equities, while AVUV is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Avantis.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.56), 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.