AVES vs VXUS
Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVES | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,887 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.68% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.16% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.09% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AVES vs VXUS Performance
Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVES returned +21.16% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AVES is up 11.68% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AVES compounded at +19.09% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, AVES has the edge at +9.20% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -27.4% for AVES 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVES 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, AVES currently yields 2.60% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AVES and VXUS share 728 holdings out of 8333 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVES or VXUS?
AVES 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, AVES or VXUS?
Over the past year AVES returned +21.16% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AVES annualized +9.20% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVES or VXUS?
AVES has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AVES -27.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AVES and VXUS?
AVES and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 AVES and VXUS?
AVES and VXUS share 728 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8333 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVES or VXUS?
AVES yields 2.60% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so AVES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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