AVDV vs VXUS
Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AVDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $19.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,704 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.62% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.08% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.27% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AVDV vs VXUS Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVDV returned +36.08% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AVDV is up 18.62% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AVDV compounded at +28.27% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVDV has the edge at +15.39% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -43.0% for AVDV 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDV charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDV currently yields 2.77% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AVDV and VXUS share 748 holdings out of 8367 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVDV or VXUS?
AVDV has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDV or VXUS?
Over the past year AVDV returned +36.08% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so AVDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVDV annualized +15.39% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDV or VXUS?
AVDV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AVDV -43.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AVDV and VXUS?
AVDV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 AVDV and VXUS?
AVDV and VXUS share 748 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8367 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDV or VXUS?
AVDV yields 2.77% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so AVDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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