AVEM vs VXUS
Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AVEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $27.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.98% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 3,967 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.50% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.76% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.11% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AVEM vs VXUS Performance
Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVEM returned +34.76% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AVEM is up 19.50% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AVEM compounded at +24.11% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.57% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVEM has the edge at +11.99% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -36.0% for AVEM 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVEM charges 0.33% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $5 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVEM currently yields 1.98% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AVEM and VXUS share 808 holdings out of 8261 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVEM or VXUS?
AVEM has an expense ratio of 0.33% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVEM or VXUS?
Over the past year AVEM returned +34.76% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so AVEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVEM annualized +11.99% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVEM or VXUS?
AVEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AVEM -36.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AVEM and VXUS?
AVEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 AVEM and VXUS?
AVEM and VXUS share 808 common holdings with a 15.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8261 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVEM or VXUS?
AVEM yields 1.98% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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