AVDS vs VYM
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AVDS delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVDS offers more diversification with 1924 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $318M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,038 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.99% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.48% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.31% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVDS vs VYM Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVDS returned +26.48% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, AVDS is up 13.99% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, AVDS compounded at +20.31% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, AVDS has the edge at +18.95% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDS charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDS currently yields 2.32% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVDS and VYM share 6 holdings out of 2476 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 VYM?
AVDS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDS or VYM?
Over the past year AVDS returned +26.48% vs +25.99% for VYM, so AVDS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AVDS annualized +18.95% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for AVDS. Worst drawdown: AVDS -13.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVDS and VYM?
AVDS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDS and VYM?
AVDS and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2476 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDS or VYM?
AVDS yields 2.32% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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