CEF vs VXUS
CEF vs VXUS
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -5.55% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.70% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.10% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CEF vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CEF is down 5.55% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, CEF compounded at +34.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.10% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CEF has the edge at +7.71% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -62.3% for CEF 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEF charges 0.46% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $5 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEF currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEF or VXUS?
CEF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEF or VXUS?
Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so CEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CEF annualized +7.71% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEF or VXUS?
CEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CEF -62.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CEF and VXUS?
CEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEF or VXUS?
CEF yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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