CWS vs VYM
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, CWS or VYM?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CWS led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 51.9%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $131M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 27 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +3.90% | +14.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.08% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,864 | $17,845Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 51.9% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2016 to Sep 4, 2026 (10 years).
CWS vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10 years both funds cover.
CWS vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWS returned +4.08% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, CWS is up 3.90% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +9.58% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CWS has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +10.38%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.3% 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 -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
18.1% of CWS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.9% of VYM's money is in holdings CWS also owns.
CWS and VYM share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, CWS as of Aug 17, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
5 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in CWS and 603 in VYM, against full books of 27 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 565 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for CWS (96.5% of the fund), and 21 for CWS that do not appear in VYM (81.9%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CWS and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $61 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CWS or VYM?
Over the past year CWS returned +4.08% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.57% vs +10.38% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CWS or VYM?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both CWS and VYM?
CWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between CWS and VYM?
18.1% of CWS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.9% of VYM's is in holdings CWS also owns. They hold 5 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in CWS and 603 in VYM.
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.
Is VYM better than CWS?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CWS led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 51.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.