CWS vs IVV
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $134M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.61% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.02% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.35% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
CWS vs IVV Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, CWS is up 6.61% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +10.35% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CWS has the edge at +11.93% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -33.8% for CWS and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWS charges 0.65% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWS currently yields 0.29% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CWS and IVV share 19 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWS or IVV?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWS or IVV?
Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% vs +21.79% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.93% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWS or IVV?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CWS and IVV?
CWS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CWS and IVV?
CWS and IVV share 19 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or IVV?
CWS yields 0.29% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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