SCHA vs AVUV: Total Small-Cap Market vs Factor-Tilted Small-Cap
SCHA owns the entire U.S. small-cap market at near-zero cost. AVUV deliberately concentrates in small-cap stocks that score highest on value and profitability. These serve different investment philosophies, not the same one at different price points.
SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) both hold U.S. small-cap stocks, but they are fundamentally different products. SCHA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index — over 1,700 stocks, market-cap weighted, no quality or value screen. You own the full small-cap market, including unprofitable growth companies. AVUV is an actively managed fund using Fama-French factor research to concentrate in small-cap stocks that are simultaneously cheap (value) and highly profitable. It holds around 730 stocks and charges 0.25% versus SCHA's 0.04%. The 21 basis point gap matters over time, but the question is whether AVUV's factor premium compensates. Since AVUV launched in 2019, it has outperformed SCHA meaningfully — but the difference may reflect the specific market environment rather than a guaranteed premium. SCHA Schwab investors who want low-cost broad small-cap exposure: stick with SCHA. Investors who specifically want to tilt toward value and profitability factors: AVUV is built for that purpose.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
Both funds trade commission-free at every major brokerage. Where to buy them →
📋 SCHA vs AVUV: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | SCHA | AVUV |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF | Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF |
| Issuer | Schwab | Avantis |
| Tracks Index | Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market | Active (Factor-Based) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% ✓ | 0.25% |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $4.00 | $25.00 |
| AUM | $22.0B | $32.5B |
| Holdings | 1,750 | 730 |
| Inception | 2009 | 2019 |
| 1-Year Return | +16.65% | +23.36% |
| 3-Year Return | +17.83% | +17.17% |
| 5-Year Return | +4.63% | +9.46% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.23% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.01% | 0.01% |
AUM and returns updated Nov 9, 2026 from ETF BFF database; expense ratios verified against issuer filings. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
Comparing two ETFs? Grab the free checklist.
The seven things that actually decide a comparison: the index, fee, overlap, tax, liquidity, concentration, and structure. One printable page.
No spam · Unsubscribe anytime · Your download opens instantly
Your download is ready above. You are also subscribed to The Expense Report, our weekly ETF newsletter. Watch your inbox for an email from ETF BFF.
📊 SCHA vs AVUV: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$21/yr per $10K vs AVUV
- want broader diversification (1,750 holdings vs 730)
- already use Avantis and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
⚙️ Want the Full Interactive Comparison?
Side-by-side holdings overlap, sector breakdown, and live performance tabs, all in one place.
Run Full SCHA vs AVUV Comparison → Free · No signup · Instant results❓ SCHA vs AVUV: Frequently Asked Questions
New to ETF investing? See answers to the most common ETF questions →