SAWS vs VTI
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.31% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.06% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SAWS vs VTI Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAWS returned +20.06% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, SAWS is up 16.31% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAWS charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWS currently yields 0.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SAWS and VTI share 56 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAWS or VTI?
SAWS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWS or VTI?
Over the past year SAWS returned +20.06% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWS annualized +13.54% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWS or VTI?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SAWS -22.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SAWS and VTI?
SAWS and VTI 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 VTI?
SAWS and VTI share 56 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWS or VTI?
SAWS yields 0.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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