SAWG vs VYM
AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.25% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.46% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.75% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SAWG vs VYM Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAWG returned +15.75% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SAWG is up 9.46% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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
SAWG charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWG currently yields 0.25% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SAWG and VYM share 10 holdings out of 637 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAWG or VYM?
SAWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWG or VYM?
Over the past year SAWG returned +15.75% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWG annualized +12.82% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for SAWG. Worst drawdown: SAWG -18.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SAWG and VYM?
SAWG and VYM 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 SAWG and VYM?
SAWG and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 8.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWG or VYM?
SAWG yields 0.25% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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