AVSF vs VXUS
Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $653M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 496 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 14, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AVSF vs VXUS Performance
Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income ETF (AVSF) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AVSF is up 1.02% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AVSF compounded at +2.84% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.9% for AVSF. 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 -8.8% for AVSF and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSF charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSF currently yields 4.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AVSF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8327 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, AVSF or VXUS?
AVSF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSF or VXUS?
Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AVSF annualized +0.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.9% for AVSF. Worst drawdown: AVSF -8.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AVSF and VXUS?
AVSF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSF and VXUS?
AVSF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8327 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSF or VXUS?
AVSF yields 4.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AVSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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