AVSE vs FTKI
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income 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 | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $210M | $25M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 12.53% | |
| Holdings | 4,803 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | +16.81% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.29% | +21.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.70% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | Feb 26, 2025 |
AVSE vs FTKI Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +32.29% while FTKI returned +21.74%. Year to date, AVSE is up 16.81% versus a gain of 13.28% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while FTKI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $85 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 1.27% against 12.53% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and FTKI share 3 holdings out of 1667 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSE or FTKI?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while FTKI charges 0.85%. AVSE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or FTKI?
Over the past year AVSE returned +32.29% vs +21.74% for FTKI, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AVSE annualized +13.15% vs +12.78% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or FTKI?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both AVSE and FTKI?
AVSE and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and FTKI?
AVSE and FTKI share 3 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1667 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or FTKI?
AVSE yields 1.27% while FTKI yields 12.53%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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