AVSE vs FTGS
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs First Trust Growth Strength 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 | FTGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $210M | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 0.09% | |
| Holdings | 4,803 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +18.68% | +13.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.87% | +14.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.33% | +18.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | Oct 25, 2022 |
AVSE vs FTGS Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +32.87% while FTGS returned +14.71%. Year to date, AVSE is up 18.68% versus a gain of 13.02% for FTGS.
Over three years, AVSE compounded at +23.33% per year against +18.46% for FTGS. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs +13.55%. 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 14.6% for FTGS. 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 -20.0% for FTGS. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while FTGS charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $60 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 1.27% against 0.09% for FTGS.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and FTGS share 0 holdings out of 1576 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 FTGS?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while FTGS charges 0.60%. AVSE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or FTGS?
Over the past year AVSE returned +32.87% vs +14.71% for FTGS, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSE annualized +13.55% vs +19.91% for FTGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or FTGS?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs FTGS -20.0%.
Should I hold both AVSE and FTGS?
AVSE and FTGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and FTGS?
AVSE and FTGS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1576 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or FTGS?
AVSE yields 1.27% while FTGS yields 0.09%, so AVSE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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