AVUV vs SPY
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AVUV delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVUV offers more diversification with 727 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $30.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 788 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.43% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.57% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.56% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.85% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AVUV vs SPY Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) 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 AVUV returned +35.57% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, AVUV is up 24.43% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, AVUV compounded at +17.56% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.85% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUV has the edge at +16.01% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 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 -49.6% for AVUV 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVUV charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUV currently yields 1.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUV or SPY?
AVUV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUV or SPY?
Over the past year AVUV returned +35.57% vs +21.53% for SPY, so AVUV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUV annualized +16.01% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUV or SPY?
AVUV has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AVUV -49.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AVUV and SPY?
AVUV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVUV and SPY?
AVUV and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1228 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUV or SPY?
AVUV yields 1.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AVUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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