AVDE vs VXUS
Avantis International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $19.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.40% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 3,289 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.00% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.26% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.43% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.84% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AVDE vs VXUS Performance
Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVDE returned +26.26% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AVDE is up 15.00% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AVDE compounded at +21.43% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.84% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVDE has the edge at +12.06% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -37.0% for AVDE and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDE charges 0.23% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $5 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDE currently yields 2.40% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AVDE and VXUS share 1116 holdings out of 8177 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVDE or VXUS?
AVDE has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDE or VXUS?
Over the past year AVDE returned +26.26% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVDE annualized +12.06% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDE or VXUS?
AVDE has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AVDE -37.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AVDE and VXUS?
AVDE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDE and VXUS?
AVDE and VXUS share 1116 common holdings with a 33.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8177 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDE or VXUS?
AVDE yields 2.40% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.