AVUS vs VTI
AVUS vs VTI
Avantis US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AVUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,933 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.79% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.84% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.65% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.16% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
AVUS vs VTI Performance
Avantis US Equity ETF (AVUS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVUS returned +28.84% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, AVUS is up 16.79% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, AVUS compounded at +20.65% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.16% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUS has the edge at +16.23% annualized vs +8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -37.0% for AVUS and -56.6% for VTI. 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
AVUS charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUS currently yields 0.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AVUS and VTI share 1045 holdings out of 3030 unique holdings combined, representing a 68.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AVUS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 5.43% | 6.32% | 0.89% |
| AAPL | 5.62% | 5.84% | 0.22% |
| MSFT | 3.34% | 3.81% | 0.47% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AVUS shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUS or VTI?
AVUS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUS or VTI?
Over the past year AVUS returned +28.84% vs +24.23% for VTI, so AVUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUS annualized +16.23% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUS or VTI?
AVUS has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AVUS -37.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AVUS and VTI?
AVUS and VTI 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 AVUS and VTI?
AVUS and VTI share 1045 common holdings with a 68.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3030 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUS or VTI?
AVUS yields 0.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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