CAFG vs VXUS
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CAFG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAFG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $48M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +33.67% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.22% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.80% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CAFG vs VXUS Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (CAFG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAFG returned +35.22% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CAFG is up 33.67% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, CAFG compounded at +15.80% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, CAFG has the edge at +18.40% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CAFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -23.7% for CAFG and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFG charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFG currently yields 0.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CAFG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7969 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CAFG | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE | 1.36% | 0.00% | 1.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAFG or VXUS?
CAFG has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFG or VXUS?
Over the past year CAFG returned +35.22% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so CAFG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CAFG annualized +18.40% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFG or VXUS?
CAFG has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CAFG -23.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CAFG and VXUS?
CAFG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFG and VXUS?
CAFG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFG or VXUS?
CAFG yields 0.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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