SAWS vs SPY
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.23% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SAWS vs SPY Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SAWS returned +22.18% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SAWS is up 15.23% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -22.0% for SAWS and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAWS charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWS currently yields 0.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SAWS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 574 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, SAWS or SPY?
SAWS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWS or SPY?
Over the past year SAWS returned +22.18% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWS annualized +13.04% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWS or SPY?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SAWS -22.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SAWS and SPY?
SAWS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAWS and SPY?
SAWS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWS or SPY?
SAWS yields 0.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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