AVUV vs IJR
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF vs iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
IJR has a lower expense ratio. AVUV delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVUV offers more diversification with 789 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | IJR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $31.9B | $112.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.13% | |
| Holdings | 789 | 662 | |
| YTD Return | +22.58% | +21.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.28% | +29.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.21% | +16.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.50% | +7.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -58.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | May 22, 2000 |
AVUV vs IJR Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AVUV returned +34.28% while IJR returned +29.83%. Year to date, AVUV is up 22.58% versus a gain of 21.15% for IJR.
Over three years, AVUV compounded at +18.21% per year against +16.05% for IJR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.50% and +7.85% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUV has the edge at +15.71% annualized vs +9.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVUV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% compared with 19.4% for IJR. 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 -49.6% for AVUV and -58.9% for IJR. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVUV charges 0.25% per year while IJR charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUV currently yields 1.25% against 1.13% for IJR.
Holdings Overlap
AVUV and IJR share 227 holdings out of 1091 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUV or IJR?
AVUV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while IJR charges 0.06%. IJR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUV or IJR?
Over the past year AVUV returned +34.28% vs +29.83% for IJR, so AVUV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUV annualized +15.71% vs +9.17% for IJR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUV or IJR?
AVUV has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 19.4% for IJR. Worst drawdown: AVUV -49.6% vs IJR -58.9%.
Should I hold both AVUV and IJR?
AVUV and IJR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 AVUV and IJR?
AVUV and IJR share 227 common holdings with a 27.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1091 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUV or IJR?
AVUV yields 1.25% while IJR yields 1.13%, so AVUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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