VICE vs. CWS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VICE (AdvisorShares Vice ETF) and CWS (AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VICE is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund actively managed by AdvisorShares, while CWS is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by AdvisorShares. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VICE returned -0.32%/yr vs 8.16%/yr for CWS. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VICE charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for CWS.

Performance

VICE vs. CWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) and AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VICE achieves a 3.62% return, which is significantly higher than CWS's -1.80% return.

VICE

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 3.62%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: -1.03%
• 3Y*: 7.32%
• 5Y*: -0.32%
• 10Y*: —

CWS

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: -1.80%
• 6M: -1.31%
• 1Y: -0.99%
• 3Y*: 10.25%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

VICE vs. CWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VICE AdvisorShares Vice ETF	3.62%	1.56%	18.27%	3.01%	-18.28%	8.50%	22.45%	20.05%	-16.93%	4.31%
CWS AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF	-1.80%	6.43%	9.82%	25.06%	-10.42%	22.20%	17.12%	30.97%	-6.46%	1.36%

Correlation

The correlation between VICE and CWS is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2017	0.63

The correlation between VICE and CWS shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.65 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VICE vs. CWS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VICE	CWS
Consumer Defensive	41.7%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	27.8%	15.1%
Communication Services	9.1%	-
Real Estate	8.9%	-
Basic Materials	7.5%	-
Technology	4.9%	18.5%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	10.8%
Healthcare	-	25.1%
Industrials	-	22.4%
Utilities	-	4.0%

Return for Risk

VICE vs. CWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VICE

VICE Risk / Return Rank: 8
VICE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VICE Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VICE Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VICE Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VICE Martin Ratio Rank: 8

CWS

CWS Risk / Return Rank: 8
CWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
CWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
CWS Omega Ratio Rank: 7
CWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
CWS Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

VICE vs. CWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) and AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS). 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.

	VICE	CWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	-0.08	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.02	-0.01	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.00	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.08	-0.08	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.13	-0.22	+0.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VICE vs. CWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VICE Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is comparable to the CWS Sharpe Ratio of -0.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VICE and CWS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VICE	CWS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08	-0.08	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.02	0.52	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.67	-0.43

Drawdowns

VICE vs. CWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VICE drawdown since its inception was -38.27%, which is greater than CWS's maximum drawdown of -33.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICE and CWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VICE	CWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.27%	-33.82%	-4.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-11.92%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.55%	-16.56%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.23%	-24.87%	-10.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.14%	-6.21%	-1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.37%	-4.54%	-7.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.73%	4.61%	+3.12%

Volatility

VICE vs. CWS - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) has a higher volatility of 4.53% compared to AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) at 3.27%. This indicates that VICE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VICE	CWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	3.27%	+1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.10%	10.29%	-1.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.19%	13.28%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.79%	15.66%	+2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.19%	16.91%	+2.28%

VICE vs. CWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VICE has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than CWS's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

VICE vs. CWS - Dividend Comparison

VICE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, more than CWS's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CWS AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF	0.31%	0.31%	0.59%	0.25%	0.50%	0.16%	0.27%	0.39%	2.07%	0.29%	0.03%
VICE AdvisorShares Vice ETF	0.76%	0.79%	1.46%	1.69%	0.96%	0.99%	0.00%	2.47%	1.72%	0.17%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VICE and CWS in my portfolio?

VICE and CWS have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VICE or CWS?

VICE has higher volatility (4.53%) compared to CWS (3.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICE dropped -38.27% vs CWS's -33.82%.

Which ETF is better, VICE or CWS?

On 5-year performance, CWS leads with 8.16% vs -0.32% for VICE. On fees, CWS is cheaper at 0.77% per year. On volatility, CWS has been the lower-risk option at 3.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VICE or CWS?

Over the 5-year period, CWS has performed better with a 8.16% return vs -0.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VICE or CWS?

CWS is cheaper with a 0.77% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for VICE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VICE or CWS?

VICE has the higher dividend yield at 0.76%, compared with 0.31% for CWS.

What is the main difference between VICE and CWS?

VICE is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while CWS is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for VICE and 0.77% for CWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CWS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.07 vs -0.08), 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.