CWS vs SGDM
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Sprott Gold Miners ETF
Which is better, CWS or SGDM?
SGDM has been ahead.
SGDM has a lower expense ratio. SGDM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. CWS is less concentrated, with 52.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 55.2%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | SGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.46%Best |
| AUM | $119M | $645M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 0.98% |
| Holdings | 27 | 50 |
| YTD Return | -2.08% | +0.92%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.90% | +9.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +44.13%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.43% | +21.87%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3%Best | 35.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8%Best | -49.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,310 | $26,883Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 52.5%Best | 55.2% |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Sprott ETFS |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Mid Cap Growth |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jul 14, 2014 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (10.1 years).
CWS vs SGDM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.1 years both funds cover.
CWS vs SGDM Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) is an ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year CWS returned -0.90% while SGDM returned +9.78%. Year to date, CWS is down 2.08% versus a gain of 0.92% for SGDM.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +9.32% per year against +44.13% for SGDM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.43% and +21.87% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SGDM has the edge at +11.26% annualized vs +10.78%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.3% compared with 16.3% for CWS. 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 -33.8% for CWS and -49.7% for SGDM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.29. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWS charges 0.65% per year while SGDM charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $46 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWS currently yields 0.32% against 0.98% for SGDM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 26 holdings in CWS and 49 in SGDM, totalling 100.0% and 99.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in CWS and 49 in SGDM, against full books of 27 and 50.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 26 and 49 positions we hold weights for.
SGDM holds 8 positions CWS does not, 17.8% of the fund.
Largest: NEM 7.49%, CDE 3.69%, DSVMF 3.24%, SSRM 2.87%, RGLD 0.31%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CWS and SGDM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWS or SGDM?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SGDM charges 0.46%. SGDM is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CWS or SGDM?
Over the past year CWS returned -0.90% vs +9.78% for SGDM, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +10.78% vs +11.26% for SGDM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CWS or SGDM?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 35.3% annualized versus 16.3% for CWS. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs SGDM -49.7%.
Should I hold both CWS and SGDM?
CWS and SGDM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or SGDM?
CWS yields 0.32% while SGDM yields 0.98%, so SGDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SGDM better than CWS?
SGDM has a lower expense ratio. SGDM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. CWS is less concentrated, with 52.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 55.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.