SAWG vs. GQGU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SAWG (AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SAWG returned 18.48% vs 4.92% for GQGU. At a correlation of -0.20, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

SAWG vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAWG achieves a 9.23% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 6.11% return.

SAWG

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 1.52%
• 6M: 7.93%
• YTD: 9.23%
• 1Y: 18.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GQGU

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -0.27%
• 6M: 6.11%
• YTD: 6.11%
• 1Y: 4.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SAWG vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	9.23%	8.47%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.11%	-1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between SAWG and GQGU is -0.20, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.20

Return for Risk

SAWG vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SAWG

SAWG Risk / Return Rank: 48
SAWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SAWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SAWG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SAWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SAWG Martin Ratio Rank: 50

GQGU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SAWG vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SAWG	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.70	—	—

Drawdowns

SAWG vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAWG drawdown since its inception was -18.68%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -8.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAWG and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAWG	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.68%	-8.41%	-10.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-8.41%	-2.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-5.09%	+4.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-2.88%	+0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SAWG	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.50%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.96%	10.74%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	10.74%	+5.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.15%	10.74%	+5.41%

SAWG vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SAWG and GQGU have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

SAWG vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

SAWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.25%, less than GQGU's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	0.25%	0.27%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAWG and GQGU in my portfolio?

SAWG and GQGU have a correlation of -0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SAWG or GQGU?

On 1-year performance, SAWG leads with 18.48% vs 4.92% for GQGU. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAWG or GQGU?

Over the 1-year period, SAWG has performed better with a 18.48% return vs 4.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAWG or GQGU?

SAWG and GQGU have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAWG or GQGU?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.25% for SAWG.

What is the main difference between SAWG and GQGU?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and GQG Partners.