CWS vs VYM
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $134M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.61% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.02% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.35% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CWS vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, CWS is up 6.61% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +10.35% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CWS has the edge at +11.93% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWS charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWS currently yields 0.29% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CWS and VYM share 5 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWS or VYM?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWS or VYM?
Over the past year CWS returned +7.02% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.93% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWS or VYM?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CWS and VYM?
CWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CWS and VYM?
CWS and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or VYM?
CWS yields 0.29% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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