AVSU vs VYM
Avantis Responsible US Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM 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 | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $494M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.00% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.83% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.86% | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 15, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVSU vs VYM Performance
Avantis Responsible US Equity ETF (AVSU) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVSU returned +25.83% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, AVSU is up 17.00% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Over three years, AVSU compounded at +21.86% per year against +18.83% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, AVSU has the edge at +14.13% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -21.7% for AVSU 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSU charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSU currently yields 0.91% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVSU and VYM share 358 holdings out of 1290 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSU or VYM?
AVSU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSU or VYM?
Over the past year AVSU returned +25.83% vs +22.18% for VYM, so AVSU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AVSU annualized +14.13% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSU or VYM?
AVSU has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVSU -21.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVSU and VYM?
AVSU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSU and VYM?
AVSU and VYM share 358 common holdings with a 30.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1290 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSU or VYM?
AVSU yields 0.91% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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