AVSU vs SPY
Avantis Responsible US Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AVSU delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSU offers more diversification with 1,324 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $494M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.28% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.43% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 15, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AVSU vs SPY Performance
Avantis Responsible US Equity ETF (AVSU) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AVSU returned +26.43% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, AVSU is up 16.28% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, AVSU compounded at +21.78% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, AVSU has the edge at +14.01% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -21.7% for AVSU and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSU charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSU currently yields 0.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AVSU and SPY share 335 holdings out of 1214 unique holdings combined, representing a 62.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSU or SPY?
AVSU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSU or SPY?
Over the past year AVSU returned +26.43% vs +20.83% for SPY, so AVSU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSU annualized +14.01% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSU or SPY?
AVSU has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AVSU -21.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AVSU and SPY?
AVSU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSU and SPY?
AVSU and SPY share 335 common holdings with a 62.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSU or SPY?
AVSU yields 0.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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