MFEM vs SAWS
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
MFEM has a lower expense ratio. MFEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFEM offers more diversification with 701 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFEM | SAWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $156M | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 701 | 72 | |
| YTD Return | +21.80% | +12.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.81% | +17.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.97% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.3% | -22.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Jul 30, 2024 |
MFEM vs SAWS Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year MFEM returned +33.81% while SAWS returned +17.37%. Year to date, MFEM is up 21.80% versus a gain of 12.72% for SAWS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 17.7% for MFEM. 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 -45.3% for MFEM 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFEM charges 0.49% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $55 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFEM currently yields 2.39% against 0.02% for SAWS.
Holdings Overlap
MFEM and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 576 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, MFEM or SAWS?
MFEM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SAWS charges 0.55%. MFEM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFEM or SAWS?
Over the past year MFEM returned +33.81% vs +17.37% for SAWS, so MFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFEM annualized +6.84% vs +11.65% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFEM or SAWS?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 17.7% for MFEM. Worst drawdown: MFEM -45.3% vs SAWS -22.0%.
Should I hold both MFEM and SAWS?
MFEM and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFEM and SAWS?
MFEM and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 576 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFEM or SAWS?
MFEM yields 2.39% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so MFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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