CEE vs VTI
The Central and Eastern Europe Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CEE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $142M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.92% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.92% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.27% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.36% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 1990 | May 24, 2001 |
CEE vs VTI Performance
The Central and Eastern Europe Fund Inc. (CEE) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEE returned +29.92% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, CEE is up 17.92% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, CEE compounded at +36.27% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.36% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -83.0% for CEE and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEE charges 1.18% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $3 annually, a gap of $115 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEE currently yields 1.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CEE and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2833 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, CEE or VTI?
CEE has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $115 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEE or VTI?
Over the past year CEE returned +29.92% vs +23.31% for VTI, so CEE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), CEE annualized +7.00% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEE or VTI?
CEE has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CEE -83.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CEE and VTI?
CEE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEE and VTI?
CEE and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEE or VTI?
CEE yields 1.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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