AVSE vs FTCB
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs First Trust Core Investment Grade 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 | FTCB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $210M | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 5.24% | |
| Holdings | 4,803 | 721 | |
| YTD Return | +17.09% | +0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.20% | +2.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.99% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | Nov 7, 2023 |
AVSE vs FTCB Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +32.20% while FTCB returned +2.43%. Year to date, AVSE is up 17.09% versus a gain of 0.12% for FTCB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $56 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 1.27% against 5.24% for FTCB.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and FTCB share 0 holdings out of 1857 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 FTCB?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while FTCB charges 0.56%. AVSE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or FTCB?
Over the past year AVSE returned +32.20% vs +2.43% for FTCB, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AVSE annualized +13.25% vs +5.77% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or FTCB?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs FTCB -5.0%.
Should I hold both AVSE and FTCB?
AVSE and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and FTCB?
AVSE and FTCB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1857 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or FTCB?
AVSE yields 1.27% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.