AVSE vs FAAR
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
AVSE has a lower expense ratio. AVSE delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSE offers more diversification with 1526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSE | FAAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $210M | $191M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 9.19% | |
| Holdings | 4,803 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +17.09% | +13.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.20% | +19.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.99% | +8.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 9.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -18.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | May 18, 2016 |
AVSE vs FAAR Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +32.20% while FAAR returned +19.26%. Year to date, AVSE is up 17.09% versus a gain of 13.94% for FAAR.
Over three years, AVSE compounded at +21.99% per year against +8.78% for FAAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, AVSE has the edge at +13.25% annualized vs +3.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 9.2% for FAAR. 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 -26.3% for AVSE and -18.8% for FAAR. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while FAAR charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $97 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 1.27% against 9.19% for FAAR.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and FAAR share 0 holdings out of 1527 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, AVSE or FAAR?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while FAAR charges 0.97%. AVSE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or FAAR?
Over the past year AVSE returned +32.20% vs +19.26% for FAAR, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSE annualized +13.25% vs +3.32% for FAAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or FAAR?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 9.2% for FAAR. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs FAAR -18.8%.
Should I hold both AVSE and FAAR?
AVSE and FAAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and FAAR?
AVSE and FAAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or FAAR?
AVSE yields 1.27% while FAAR yields 9.19%, so FAAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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