Investors evaluating large-cap value exposure often encounter AVLV and VTV as two prominent options in the same category. Both target U.S. large-capitalization value equities, yet they pursue that objective through fundamentally different structures and philosophies. AVLV is an actively managed, systematically tilted portfolio from Avantis Investors, while VTV is a low-cost, passive index vehicle from Vanguard. This ETF comparison matters today because value stocks have been a focal point of market rotation as investors weigh elevated growth-stock valuations against cheaper, cash-generating businesses. Understanding the structural differences, sector exposure, and relative positioning of these funds is essential for building a diversified portfolio. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the holdings line up across factors.
AVLV is an actively managed ETF that invests primarily in large-capitalization U.S. companies, applying a systematic, rules-based approach focused on value and profitability factors. Rather than blindly tracking an index, portfolio managers screen for companies with attractive valuations, strong profitability, and favorable fundamental characteristics. The fund typically holds around 270 stocks, with a top-heavy tilt toward financial services, which represents roughly 22% of assets. Energy (about 14–15%), consumer cyclical (about 15%), and industrials (about 13%) are also prominent, while technology accounts for roughly 13%. Top holdings have included MU (Micron Technology), AAPL (Apple), AMZN (Amazon), META (Meta Platforms), XOM (Exxon Mobil), COST (Costco), CAT (Caterpillar), LRCX (Lam Research), and JPM (JPMorgan Chase). The expense ratio is 0.15%, and the fund was launched in September 2021.
VTV is a passively managed ETF that seeks to track the CRSP U.S. Large Cap Value Index, using full replication to mirror the benchmark before fees and expenses. Launched in January 2004, it is the largest large-cap value ETF in the U.S. market, with a broad portfolio of approximately 325 holdings. Financials are the largest sector at about 23% of assets, followed by health care (roughly 16%), technology (about 14%), industrials (about 13%), and consumer staples (around 8.5%). Utilities, energy, and consumer cyclical each contribute smaller single-digit weightings. Top holdings have included BRK.B (Berkshire Hathaway), JPM (JPMorgan Chase), XOM (Exxon Mobil), JNJ (Johnson & Johnson), WMT (Walmart), CVX (Chevron), ABBV (AbbVie), and MU (Micron Technology). Its expense ratio is a very low 0.03%.
Both funds operate within the large-cap value segment, which has drawn renewed attention as investors reassess the elevated valuations attached to high-growth technology and artificial intelligence-linked names. In recent market cycles, capital flows have periodically rotated toward financials, energy producers, and industrial companies that generate earnings and dividends today rather than relying on distant future growth. Rising and then moderating interest-rate expectations have also influenced this rotation, because value stocks tend to be more sensitive to the macroeconomic and credit cycle. Regulatory developments affecting banks and energy firms, alongside commodity price swings, remain key catalysts. The principal risk for value strategies is that a sharp resurgence in mega-cap growth leadership would leave these funds lagging, while their heavy financial and energy weightings tie performance to the broader economy and commodity markets.
In recent weeks and months, both AVLV and VTV have benefited from the same broad value tailwind, but their relative positioning differs. AVLV's larger energy and consumer cyclical exposure makes it more responsive to commodity trends and cyclical earnings recoveries, while its inclusion of select mega-cap technology names adds a growth-adjacent element that can either help or hurt depending on the rotation's direction. VTV, by contrast, is more defensive: its meaningful health care, consumer staples, and utilities allocations provide steadier cash flows and a lower beta profile. Consequently, VTV has tended to exhibit lower volatility, whereas AVLV may capture more upside during cyclical rallies. Fund performance ultimately hinges on whether sector rotation favors cyclicals or defensives, and on how earnings from top financial and energy holdings unfold across the cycle. From what I see, this distinction becomes clearer when I run quick comparisons in Tickeron’s AI Trend Prediction Engine.
In my own research process, I often rely on Tickeron’s AI Screener to quickly filter large-cap value ETFs by factors like sector exposure, expense ratios, and historical volatility. It lets me scan for patterns in holdings and performance metrics that would otherwise take hours to compile manually, helping me spot how AVLV’s profitability tilt stacks up against VTV’s broader index approach without overcomplicating the decision.
Based on observable structural factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor VTV for most long-term, cost-conscious investors. Its materially lower expense ratio, broader diversification, and lower-volatility sector mix offer a durable, efficient core holding. However, if the analytical emphasis shifts to momentum and cyclical exposure, AVLV may screen more favorably, given its profitability tilt and greater sensitivity to energy and consumer cyclical strength. The verdict is therefore probabilistic rather than absolute: VTV appears better suited to stability- and cost-focused positioning, while AVLV may appeal to investors seeking a more aggressively tilted, factor-driven value strategy.
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VTV may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 35 of 36 cases where VTV's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on VTV as a result. In 74 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for VTV just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where VTV's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 39 of 56 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
VTV moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for VTV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Following a +0.91% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where VTV advanced for three days, in 291 of 349 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
The 10-day RSI Indicator for VTV moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 38 of the 52 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 73%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where VTV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Aroon Indicator for VTV entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
Category LargeValue