AVUV vs IJR: Head-to-Head Comparison
AVUV vs IJR: Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF charges 0.06%. AVUV holds 750 securities vs IJR's 600. 5-year returns: 15.00% vs 9.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Small/Mid-Cap
Quick Verdict
IJR edges out AVUV with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | IJR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% |
| AUM | $13.0B | $80.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.50% |
| Holdings | 750 | 600 |
| 1-Year Return | 12.00% | 11.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.00% | 9.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 0.00% | 9.00% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.12 |
| P/E Ratio | 10.5 | 18.5 |
AVUV 5-year annualized return is 15.00% compared to IJR's 9.50%. Over 10 years, AVUV returned 0.00% vs IJR's 9.00%.
View data table
| Period | AVUV Return | IJR Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -2.00% | 2.20% |
| 1 Year | 12.00% | 11.00% |
| 3 Year | 9.00% | 6.00% |
| 5 Year | 15.00% | 9.50% |
| 10 Year | 0.00% | 9.00% |
Key Differences Between AVUV and IJR
AVUV (Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF) is a u.s. small-cap value fund managed by Avantis Investors. AVUV targets U.S. small-cap value stocks, a segment of the market that academic research shows has historically produced higher returns over long periods. It uses a systematic approach based on factor investing principles. Beginners with long time horizons may benefit from a small allocation, but should expect higher short-term volatility.
IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) is a us small-cap fund managed by BlackRock. IJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which screens for profitability before including companies, making it a higher-quality small-cap option. Unlike broader small-cap indexes, the S&P 600 requires positive earnings, filtering out unprofitable speculative companies. This quality screen has historically helped IJR deliver better risk-adjusted returns than many competing small-cap funds.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.25% vs 0.06%), number of holdings (750 vs 600), and 5-year returns (15.00% vs 9.50%).
AVUV vs IJR multi-factor comparison: AVUV has a 0.25% expense ratio, 15.00% 5-year return, 750 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 1.80% yield. IJR has 0.06% expense ratio, 9.50% 5-year return, 600 holdings, 1.12 beta, and 1.50% yield.
View data table
| Metric | AVUV | IJR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.00% | 9.50% |
| Holdings | 750 | 600 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.12 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.50% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
5%
Holdings Overlap
AVUV and IJR share only 5% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
AVUV and IJR share 5% of their top holdings (low overlap). AVUV has 750 total holdings and IJR has 600. Common holdings include MWA.
View data table
| Metric | AVUV | IJR |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 5% | 5% |
| Unique Holdings | 95% | 95% |
| Total Holdings | 750 | 600 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
AVUV
Fee cost: $2,111
IJR
Fee cost: $515
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $1,596 on a $10,000 investment. IJR saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, AVUV (0.25% fee) grows to $44,499 while IJR (0.06% fee) grows to $46,094. The fee difference costs $1,595.
View data table
| Year | AVUV Value | IJR Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,524 | $14,653 |
| 10 | $21,095 | $21,470 |
| 15 | $30,638 | $31,458 |
| 20 | $44,499 | $46,094 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose AVUV if: You want long-term investors who believe in the small-cap value factor premium, those looking to tilt their portfolio toward academically-supported return factors, patient investors with 10+ year time horizons willing to accept short-term volatility. It's managed by Avantis Investors with an expense ratio of 0.25%.
Choose IJR if: You want quality-conscious investors wanting small-cap exposure without the junkiest stocks, core small-cap allocation in a diversified portfolio, investors who prefer index methodology with built-in quality screening. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Can You Own Both AVUV and IJR?
Absolutely! With only 5% overlap, AVUV and IJR complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy AVUV or IJR?▾
IJR edges out AVUV with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. AVUV is best for investors who want long-term investors who believe in the small-cap value factor premium, while IJR is better suited for quality-conscious investors wanting small-cap exposure without the junkiest stocks.
What is the difference between AVUV and IJR?▾
AVUV (Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF) tracks u.s. small-cap value investments with 750 holdings and a 0.25% expense ratio. IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) focuses on us small-cap with 600 holdings at 0.06%. Their top holdings overlap by 5%.
Can I own both AVUV and IJR?▾
Yes! With only 5% holdings overlap, AVUV and IJR complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.