SAWS vs VGI

Quick Verdict

SAWS has a lower expense ratio. SAWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGI offers more diversification with 434 holdings.

Lower Fees: SAWSHigher Returns: SAWSMore Diversified: VGI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSAWSVGIWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%1.74%
AUM$8M$88M
Dividend Yield0.02%11.98%
Holdings72646
YTD Return+15.39%+1.20%
1Y Return+22.34%+4.18%
3Y Return (annualized)-+10.88%
5Y Return (annualized)-+2.18%
Volatility (annualized)18.4%14.1%
Max Drawdown-22.0%-63.3%
Fund FamilyAdvisors Asset Management, Inc.Virtus Investment Partners
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionJul 30, 2024Feb 23, 2012

SAWS vs VGI Performance

AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SAWS returned +22.34% while VGI returned +4.18%. Year to date, SAWS is up 15.39% versus a gain of 1.20% for VGI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 14.1% for VGI. 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 -63.3% for VGI. 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

SAWS charges 0.55% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $174 annually, a gap of $119 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWS currently yields 0.02% against 11.98% for VGI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SAWS and VGI share 0 holdings out of 505 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 VGI?

SAWS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VGI charges 1.74%. SAWS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $119 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SAWS or VGI?

Over the past year SAWS returned +22.34% vs +4.18% for VGI, so SAWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWS annualized +13.13% vs -2.40% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SAWS or VGI?

SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VGI. Worst drawdown: SAWS -22.0% vs VGI -63.3%.

Should I hold both SAWS and VGI?

SAWS and VGI 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 SAWS and VGI?

SAWS and VGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SAWS or VGI?

SAWS yields 0.02% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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