CCEF vs VXUS
Calamos CEF Income & Arbitrage ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CCEF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $35M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.03% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.40% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.82% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CCEF vs VXUS Performance
Calamos CEF Income & Arbitrage ETF (CCEF) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CCEF returned +13.82% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CCEF is up 9.40% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.5% for CCEF. 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 -14.1% for CCEF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CCEF charges 3.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $319 vs $5 annually, a gap of $314 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CCEF currently yields 8.03% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CCEF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7925 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CCEF or VXUS?
CCEF has an expense ratio of 3.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $314 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CCEF or VXUS?
Over the past year CCEF returned +13.82% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CCEF annualized +15.66% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CCEF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.5% for CCEF. Worst drawdown: CCEF -14.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CCEF and VXUS?
CCEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CCEF and VXUS?
CCEF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CCEF or VXUS?
CCEF yields 8.03% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CCEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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