AVSC vs VYM
Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AVSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSC offers more diversification with 1468 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,498 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +25.98% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.73% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.09% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.45% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVSC vs VYM Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVSC returned +41.73% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, AVSC is up 25.98% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, AVSC compounded at +17.09% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.45% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +6.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -28.4% for AVSC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSC charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSC currently yields 0.92% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVSC and VYM share 182 holdings out of 1844 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSC or VYM?
AVSC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSC or VYM?
Over the past year AVSC returned +41.73% vs +25.99% for VYM, so AVSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), AVSC annualized +6.06% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSC or VYM?
AVSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVSC -28.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVSC and VYM?
AVSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSC and VYM?
AVSC and VYM share 182 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSC or VYM?
AVSC yields 0.92% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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