CEFS vs VTI
Saba Opportunistically Hedged Closed-End Funds ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, CEFS or VTI?
Tactical Allocation against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CEFS led over 5Y, VTI over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEFS | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.29% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $438M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.23% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 68 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +11.05% | +13.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.90% | +20.00%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.52% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.32%Best | +11.81% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,877Best | $17,474 |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Tactical Allocation | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 20, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 21, 2017 to Sep 4, 2026 (9.5 years).
CEFS vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.5 years both funds cover.
CEFS vs VTI Performance
Saba Opportunistically Hedged Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) is an ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFS returned +14.90% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, CEFS is up 11.05% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, CEFS compounded at +18.52% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.32% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.82% annualized vs +11.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.2% for CEFS. 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 -39.0% for CEFS and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFS charges 4.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $429 vs $3 annually, a gap of $426 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFS currently yields 6.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 60 holdings in CEFS and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 81.0% and 92.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 123 days apart, CEFS as of Feb 27, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 60 positions we hold weights for in CEFS and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 68 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEFS and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEFS or VTI?
CEFS has an expense ratio of 4.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $426 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CEFS or VTI?
Over the past year CEFS returned +14.90% vs +20.00% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CEFS annualized +11.50% vs +13.82% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEFS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.2% for CEFS. Worst drawdown: CEFS -39.0% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both CEFS and VTI?
CEFS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFS or VTI?
CEFS yields 6.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CEFS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than CEFS?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CEFS led over 5Y, VTI over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.