SAWG vs. TRFM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SAWG (AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF) and TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAWG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by AAM, while TRFM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross. SAWG is actively managed, while TRFM is passively managed. Over the past year, SAWG returned 18.49% vs 47.69% for TRFM. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

SAWG vs. TRFM - 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 AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAWG achieves a 5.60% return, which is significantly lower than TRFM's 27.18% return.

SAWG

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -2.20%
• YTD: 5.60%
• 6M: 4.59%
• 1Y: 18.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TRFM

• 1D: -3.18%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 27.18%
• 6M: 25.25%
• 1Y: 47.69%
• 3Y*: 30.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SAWG vs. TRFM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	5.60%	11.30%	6.07%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	27.18%	25.76%	16.81%

Correlation

The correlation between SAWG and TRFM is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2024	0.81

The correlation between SAWG and TRFM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAWG vs. TRFM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAWG	TRFM
Technology	46.2%	53.3%
Healthcare	14.4%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	17.7%
Financial Services	8.6%	2.8%
Communication Services	8.4%	12.3%
Industrials	7.4%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	1.2%
Energy	-	3.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

SAWG vs. TRFM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAWG

SAWG Risk / Return Rank: 42
SAWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SAWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SAWG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SAWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SAWG Martin Ratio Rank: 44

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 65
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 57
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. TRFM - 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 AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM). 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	TRFM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.96	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.51	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.33	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	3.69	-2.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.75	11.96	-5.20

SAWG vs. TRFM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAWG Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the TRFM Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAWG and TRFM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SAWG vs. TRFM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAWG drawdown since its inception was -18.68%, smaller than the maximum TRFM drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAWG and TRFM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAWG	TRFM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.68%	-28.40%	+9.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-12.99%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.32%	-3.60%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.63%	-6.59%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	4.00%	-1.26%

Volatility

SAWG vs. TRFM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) is 4.57%, while AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a volatility of 11.33%. This indicates that SAWG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TRFM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAWG	TRFM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	11.33%	-6.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.38%	19.71%	-9.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	24.43%	-11.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.27%	27.27%	-11.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.27%	27.27%	-11.00%

SAWG vs. TRFM - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SAWG vs. TRFM - Dividend Comparison

SAWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, more than TRFM's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	0.26%	0.27%	0.16%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAWG and TRFM in my portfolio?

SAWG and TRFM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAWG or TRFM?

TRFM has higher volatility (11.33%) compared to SAWG (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAWG dropped -18.68% vs TRFM's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, SAWG or TRFM?

On 1-year performance, TRFM leads with 47.69% vs 18.49% for SAWG. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. On volatility, SAWG has been the lower-risk option at 4.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAWG or TRFM?

Over the 1-year period, TRFM has performed better with a 47.69% return vs 18.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAWG or TRFM?

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

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

SAWG has the higher dividend yield at 0.26%, compared with 0.13% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between SAWG and TRFM?

SAWG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while TRFM is Technology Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.44), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.