AVSE vs VYM
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AVSE delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSE offers more diversification with 1526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $210M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4,803 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.81% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.29% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.70% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVSE vs VYM Performance
Avantis Responsible Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVSE) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVSE returned +32.29% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, AVSE is up 16.81% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, AVSE compounded at +22.70% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, AVSE has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSE charges 0.33% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $4 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSE currently yields 1.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVSE and VYM share 5 holdings out of 2079 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSE or VYM?
AVSE has an expense ratio of 0.33% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSE or VYM?
Over the past year AVSE returned +32.29% vs +26.05% for VYM, so AVSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSE annualized +13.15% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSE or VYM?
AVSE has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVSE -26.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVSE and VYM?
AVSE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSE and VYM?
AVSE and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2079 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSE or VYM?
AVSE yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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