SAWS vs. SLYG

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SAWS (AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF) and SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. SAWS is actively managed, while SLYG is passively managed. Over the past year, SAWS returned 25.87% vs 27.83% for SLYG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAWS charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SLYG.

Performance

SAWS vs. SLYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAWS achieves a 16.95% return, which is significantly lower than SLYG's 23.22% return.

SAWS

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.24%
• 6M: 11.83%
• YTD: 16.95%
• 1Y: 25.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLYG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 2.65%
• 6M: 17.16%
• YTD: 23.22%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

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

SAWS vs. SLYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAWS AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF	16.95%	7.26%	4.18%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	23.22%	5.20%	-3.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SAWS and SLYG is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2024	0.91

The correlation between SAWS and SLYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAWS vs. SLYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAWS	SLYG
Industrials	25.3%	18.8%
Healthcare	21.1%	17.0%
Technology	16.1%	17.5%
Financial Services	12.1%	14.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	10.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	3.0%
Energy	5.3%	4.5%
Basic Materials	2.9%	2.9%
Communication Services	0.7%	2.8%
Real Estate	-	6.5%
Utilities	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

SAWS vs. SLYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAWS

SAWS Risk / Return Rank: 54
SAWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SAWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SAWS Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SAWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SAWS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

SAWS vs. SLYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). 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.

	SAWS	SLYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.56	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.34	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.27	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	3.07	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.17	10.72	-2.55

SAWS vs. SLYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAWS Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the SLYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAWS and SLYG, 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

SAWS vs. SLYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAWS drawdown since its inception was -22.04%, smaller than the maximum SLYG drawdown of -62.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAWS and SLYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAWS	SLYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.04%	-62.92%	+40.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-9.10%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.39%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.22%	-2.96%	-2.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.39%	-14.85%	+9.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.18%	2.61%	+0.57%

Volatility

SAWS vs. SLYG - Volatility Comparison

AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) has a higher volatility of 5.55% compared to SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) at 4.36%. This indicates that SAWS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAWS	SLYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.55%	4.36%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.59%	13.02%	+1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.86%	17.93%	+0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	21.55%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.99%	22.71%	-1.72%

SAWS vs. SLYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAWS has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than SLYG's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAWS vs. SLYG - Dividend Comparison

SAWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than SLYG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SAWS AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.66%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAWS and SLYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SAWS and SLYG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SAWS or SLYG?

SAWS has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to SLYG (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAWS dropped -22.04% vs SLYG's -62.92%.

Which ETF is better, SAWS or SLYG?

On 1-year performance, SLYG leads with 27.83% vs 25.87% for SAWS. On fees, SLYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SLYG has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAWS or SLYG?

Over the 1-year period, SLYG has performed better with a 27.83% return vs 25.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAWS or SLYG?

SLYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for SAWS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAWS or SLYG?

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.02% for SAWS.

What is the main difference between SAWS and SLYG?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for SAWS and 0.15% for SLYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.38), 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.