CEFS vs VXUS
Saba Opportunistically Hedged Closed-End Funds ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, CEFS or VXUS?
Tactical Allocation against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CEFS led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.29% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $438M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.23% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +11.05% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.90% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.52% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.32%Best | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2%Best | 15.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,877Best | $15,450 |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Tactical Allocation | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 20, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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 VXUS 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 VXUS Performance
Saba Opportunistically Hedged Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) is an ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFS returned +14.90% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, CEFS is up 11.05% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, CEFS compounded at +18.52% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.32% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CEFS has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +8.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFS charges 4.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $429 vs $5 annually, a gap of $424 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFS currently yields 6.23% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 60 holdings in CEFS and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 81.0% and 87.7% 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 VXUS 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 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 68 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEFS and VXUS 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 VXUS?
CEFS has an expense ratio of 4.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $424 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CEFS or VXUS?
Over the past year CEFS returned +14.90% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CEFS annualized +11.50% vs +8.22% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEFS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.2% for CEFS. Worst drawdown: CEFS -39.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CEFS and VXUS?
CEFS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, 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 VXUS?
CEFS yields 6.23% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CEFS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than CEFS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CEFS led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.