SAWS vs VXUS
SAWS vs VXUS
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.18% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.78% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SAWS vs VXUS Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAWS returned +25.78% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SAWS is up 16.18% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAWS charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWS currently yields 0.02% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SAWS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7931 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SAWS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE | 1.55% | 0.00% | 1.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAWS or VXUS?
SAWS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWS or VXUS?
Over the past year SAWS returned +25.78% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWS annualized +13.57% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWS or VXUS?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SAWS -22.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SAWS and VXUS?
SAWS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAWS and VXUS?
SAWS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7931 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWS or VXUS?
SAWS yields 0.02% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.