AVSE vs FQAL
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Fidelity Quality Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. AVSE delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSE offers more diversification with 2,438 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSE | FQAL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $221M | $1.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.16% | 1.15% | |
| Holdings | 2,438 | 130 | |
| YTD Return | +20.61% | +13.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.96% | +18.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +20.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -34.1% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Fidelity Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | Sep 12, 2016 |
AVSE vs FQAL Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +34.96% while FQAL returned +18.42%. Year to date, AVSE is up 20.61% versus a gain of 13.19% for FQAL.
Over three years, AVSE compounded at +23.77% per year against +20.31% for FQAL. Across the full 4-year window we track, AVSE has the edge at +13.83% annualized vs +13.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.0% for FQAL. 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 -34.1% for FQAL. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while FQAL charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $15 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 2.16% against 1.15% for FQAL.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and FQAL share 0 holdings out of 1652 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 FQAL?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while FQAL charges 0.15%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or FQAL?
Over the past year AVSE returned +34.96% vs +18.42% for FQAL, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSE annualized +13.83% vs +13.80% for FQAL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or FQAL?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.0% for FQAL. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs FQAL -34.1%.
Should I hold both AVSE and FQAL?
AVSE and FQAL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and FQAL?
AVSE and FQAL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1652 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or FQAL?
AVSE yields 2.16% while FQAL yields 1.15%, so AVSE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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