FTCB vs SAWS
FTCB vs SAWS
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SAWS has a lower expense ratio. SAWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | SAWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 72 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +16.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.43% | +25.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -22.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jul 30, 2024 |
FTCB vs SAWS Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while SAWS returned +25.78%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 16.18% for SAWS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $55 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 0.02% for SAWS.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 402 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, FTCB or SAWS?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SAWS charges 0.55%. SAWS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or SAWS?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +25.78% for SAWS, so SAWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs +13.57% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or SAWS?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs SAWS -22.0%.
Should I hold both FTCB and SAWS?
FTCB and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and SAWS?
FTCB and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 402 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or SAWS?
FTCB yields 5.24% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.