AVUV vs IWM
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 ETF
Quick Verdict
IWM has a lower expense ratio. AVUV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWM offers more diversification with 1594 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | IWM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $30.1B | $79.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 0.88% | |
| Holdings | 788 | 1,996 | |
| YTD Return | +24.14% | +21.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.87% | +38.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.49% | +17.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.72% | +7.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 20.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -59.9% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | May 22, 2000 |
AVUV vs IWM Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AVUV returned +39.87% while IWM returned +38.07%. Year to date, AVUV is up 24.14% versus a gain of 21.49% for IWM.
Over three years, AVUV compounded at +17.49% per year against +17.87% for IWM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.72% and +7.45% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUV has the edge at +15.98% annualized vs +7.72%. 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 20.0% for IWM. 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 -59.9% for IWM. 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 0.93. 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 IWM charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $19 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUV currently yields 1.25% against 0.88% for IWM.
Holdings Overlap
AVUV and IWM share 485 holdings out of 1836 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUV or IWM?
AVUV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while IWM charges 0.19%. IWM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUV or IWM?
Over the past year AVUV returned +39.87% vs +38.07% for IWM, so AVUV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUV annualized +15.98% vs +7.72% for IWM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUV or IWM?
AVUV has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 20.0% for IWM. Worst drawdown: AVUV -49.6% vs IWM -59.9%.
Should I hold both AVUV and IWM?
AVUV and IWM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IWM?
AVUV and IWM share 485 common holdings with a 24.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUV or IWM?
AVUV yields 1.25% while IWM yields 0.88%, so AVUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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