AVDV vs SPY
Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AVDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVDV offers more diversification with 1,704 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $19.9B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,704 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.45% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.16% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.82% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.51% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AVDV vs SPY Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AVDV returned +35.16% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, AVDV is up 18.45% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, AVDV compounded at +28.82% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.51% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVDV has the edge at +15.34% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -43.0% for AVDV and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDV charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDV currently yields 2.77% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AVDV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1750 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVDV or SPY?
AVDV has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDV or SPY?
Over the past year AVDV returned +35.16% vs +21.53% for SPY, so AVDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVDV annualized +15.34% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDV or SPY?
AVDV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AVDV -43.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AVDV and SPY?
AVDV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDV and SPY?
AVDV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDV or SPY?
AVDV yields 2.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AVDV 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.