CWS vs VOO
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $134M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.61% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.02% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.35% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CWS vs VOO Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, CWS is up 6.61% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +10.35% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +11.93%. 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CWS and VOO 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 VOO?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWS or VOO?
Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.93% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWS or VOO?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CWS and VOO?
CWS and VOO 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 VOO?
CWS and VOO share 19 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or VOO?
CWS yields 0.29% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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