SAWS vs VYM
AAM Sawgrass US Small 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.39% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.34% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SAWS vs VYM Performance
AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) 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 SAWS returned +22.34% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SAWS is up 15.39% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAWS charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAWS currently yields 0.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SAWS and VYM share 7 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAWS or VYM?
SAWS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAWS or VYM?
Over the past year SAWS returned +22.34% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAWS annualized +13.13% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAWS or VYM?
SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SAWS -22.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SAWS and VYM?
SAWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAWS and VYM?
SAWS and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAWS or VYM?
SAWS yields 0.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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