CEW vs VTI
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.30% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.39% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.57% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.15% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
CEW vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEW returned +8.39% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.30% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.57% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.15% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 7.8% for CEW. 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 -27.9% for CEW 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CEW and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, CEW or VTI?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or VTI?
Over the past year CEW returned +8.39% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CEW annualized +1.32% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 7.8% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CEW and VTI?
CEW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and VTI?
CEW and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or VTI?
CEW yields 2.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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