CEW vs VXUS
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, CEW or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | CEW | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $18M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +4.04% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.99% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.34% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.15% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9%Best | 15.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,255 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 18, 2026 (15.6 years).
CEW 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 15.6 years both funds cover.
CEW vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is an ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEW returned +6.99% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.04% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.34% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.15% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.72% annualized vs +0.55%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 7.9% 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 -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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.35% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in CEW and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 2.3% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in CEW and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 32 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEW 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, CEW or VXUS?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CEW or VXUS?
Over the past year CEW returned +6.99% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CEW annualized +0.55% vs +4.72% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 7.9% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CEW and VXUS?
CEW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, 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, CEW or VXUS?
CEW yields 2.35% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than CEW?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.