AVUV vs VBR
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. AVUV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 847 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | VBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $31.9B | $37.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.76% | |
| Holdings | 789 | 847 | |
| YTD Return | +22.97% | +17.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.56% | +20.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.33% | +16.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | +9.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -64.0% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Jan 26, 2004 |
AVUV vs VBR Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVUV returned +27.56% while VBR returned +20.77%. Year to date, AVUV is up 22.97% versus a gain of 17.02% for VBR.
Over three years, AVUV compounded at +18.33% per year against +16.79% for VBR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.45% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUV has the edge at +15.71% annualized vs +7.98%. 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 19.0% for VBR. 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 -64.0% for VBR. 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
AVUV charges 0.25% per year while VBR charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUV currently yields 1.25% against 1.76% for VBR.
Holdings Overlap
AVUV and VBR share 230 holdings out of 1332 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUV or VBR?
AVUV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VBR charges 0.05%. VBR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUV or VBR?
Over the past year AVUV returned +27.56% vs +20.77% for VBR, so AVUV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUV annualized +15.71% vs +7.98% for VBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUV or VBR?
AVUV has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 19.0% for VBR. Worst drawdown: AVUV -49.6% vs VBR -64.0%.
Should I hold both AVUV and VBR?
AVUV and VBR 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 AVUV and VBR?
AVUV and VBR share 230 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1332 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUV or VBR?
AVUV yields 1.25% while VBR yields 1.76%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.