FTGS vs SAWS
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SAWS has a lower expense ratio. SAWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SAWS offers more diversification with 71 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | SAWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 72 | |
| YTD Return | +12.97% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.39% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 18.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -22.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jul 30, 2024 |
FTGS vs SAWS Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +16.39% while SAWS returned +22.18%. Year to date, FTGS is up 12.97% versus a gain of 15.23% for SAWS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 14.6% for FTGS. 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $55 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 0.02% for SAWS.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 121 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, FTGS or SAWS?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SAWS charges 0.55%. SAWS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or SAWS?
Over the past year FTGS returned +16.39% vs +22.18% for SAWS, so SAWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs +13.04% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or SAWS?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs SAWS -22.0%.
Should I hold both FTGS and SAWS?
FTGS and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and SAWS?
FTGS and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or SAWS?
FTGS yields 0.09% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so FTGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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