SAWG vs VTI
AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.25% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.05% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.89% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SAWG vs VTI Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAWG returned +16.89% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SAWG is up 10.05% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.2% for SAWG. 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 -18.7% for SAWG and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAWG charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWG currently yields 0.25% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SAWG and VTI share 43 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAWG or VTI?
SAWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWG or VTI?
Over the past year SAWG returned +16.89% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWG annualized +13.10% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for SAWG. Worst drawdown: SAWG -18.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SAWG and VTI?
SAWG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SAWG and VTI?
SAWG and VTI share 43 common holdings with a 34.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWG or VTI?
SAWG yields 0.25% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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