AVDS vs VTI
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AVDS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $318M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,038 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.78% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
AVDS vs VTI Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVDS returned +26.28% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, AVDS is up 14.99% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, AVDS compounded at +20.78% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, AVDS has the edge at +19.24% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.5% for AVDS. 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 -13.5% for AVDS and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDS charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDS currently yields 2.32% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AVDS and VTI share 13 holdings out of 4694 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVDS or VTI?
AVDS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDS or VTI?
Over the past year AVDS returned +26.28% vs +22.39% for VTI, so AVDS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AVDS annualized +19.24% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.5% for AVDS. Worst drawdown: AVDS -13.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AVDS and VTI?
AVDS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDS and VTI?
AVDS and VTI share 13 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4694 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDS or VTI?
AVDS yields 2.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AVDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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