CWS vs VTI
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $134M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.07% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.31% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.13% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
CWS vs VTI Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWS returned +6.31% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, CWS is up 6.07% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +11.13% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.84% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CWS has the edge at +11.85% annualized vs +8.11%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CWS and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWS or VTI?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWS or VTI?
Over the past year CWS returned +6.31% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.85% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWS or VTI?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CWS and VTI?
CWS and VTI 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 VTI?
CWS and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or VTI?
CWS yields 0.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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