FQAL vs SAWS
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. FQAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. FQAL offers more diversification with 130 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | SAWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 72 | |
| YTD Return | +12.00% | +11.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.57% | +16.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.63% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -22.0% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Jul 30, 2024 |
FQAL vs SAWS Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% while SAWS returned +16.68%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.00% versus a gain of 11.77% for SAWS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 15.0% for FQAL. 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 -34.1% for FQAL and -22.0% for SAWS. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $55 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 0.02% for SAWS.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 198 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or SAWS?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SAWS charges 0.55%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or SAWS?
Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% vs +16.68% for SAWS, so FQAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FQAL annualized +13.71% vs +11.20% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or SAWS?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.0% for FQAL. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs SAWS -22.0%.
Should I hold both FQAL and SAWS?
FQAL and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and SAWS?
FQAL and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 198 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or SAWS?
FQAL yields 1.15% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so FQAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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