Quick Verdict

SAWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SAWS offers more diversification with 71 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: SAWSMore Diversified: SAWS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricACESSAWSWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.55%
AUM$109M$8M
Dividend Yield1.22%0.02%
Holdings3872
YTD Return-4.16%+16.18%
1Y Return+21.72%+25.78%
3Y Return (annualized)-8.79%-
5Y Return (annualized)-13.98%-
Volatility (annualized)35.4%18.3%
Max Drawdown-79.0%-22.0%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsAdvisors Asset Management, Inc.
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2018Jul 30, 2024

ACES vs SAWS Performance

ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while SAWS returned +25.78%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 16.18% for SAWS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 18.3% for SAWS. 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 -79.0% for ACES and -22.0% for SAWS. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ACES charges 0.55% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $55 annually. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 0.02% for SAWS.

Holdings Overlap

2.7%overlap

ACES and SAWS share 2 holdings out of 106 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ACESWeight in SAWSDifference
WLDN1.45%2.42%0.97%
REX1.74%1.25%0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ACES or SAWS?

ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SAWS charges 0.55%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ACES or SAWS?

Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +25.78% for SAWS, so SAWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +13.57% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ACES or SAWS?

ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 18.3% for SAWS. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs SAWS -22.0%.

Should I hold both ACES and SAWS?

ACES and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ACES and SAWS?

ACES and SAWS share 2 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or SAWS?

ACES yields 1.22% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so ACES currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.