CEE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CEE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: CEEMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCEEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.18%0.05%
AUM$142M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.85%2.60%
Holdings608,747
YTD Return+17.98%+14.57%
1Y Return+33.49%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+35.78%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.07%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)31.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyDWS ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 6, 1990Jan 26, 2011

CEE vs VXUS Performance

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund Inc. (CEE) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEE returned +33.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CEE is up 17.98% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, CEE compounded at +35.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.07% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CEE has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% 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 -83.0% for CEE 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CEE charges 1.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $5 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEE currently yields 1.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.4%overlap

CEE and VXUS share 27 holdings out of 7884 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CEEWeight in VXUSDifference
OTPB:HU10.77%0.06%10.71%
PKN:PL7.95%0.04%7.91%
KGH:PL6.82%0.03%6.79%
PZU:PLProProPro
PKO:PLProProPro
0QFP:LNProProPro
LPPP:PLProProPro
ALEP:PLProProPro
ALRR:PLProProPro
ASTOR:TRProProPro
See all 10 holdings CEE shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CEE or VXUS?

CEE has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CEE or VXUS?

Over the past year CEE returned +33.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so CEE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CEE annualized +7.01% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CEE or VXUS?

CEE has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CEE -83.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both CEE and VXUS?

CEE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CEE and VXUS?

CEE and VXUS share 27 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CEE or VXUS?

CEE yields 1.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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