CEW vs VXUS
CEW vs VXUS
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.93% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.98% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.75% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CEW vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEW returned +9.98% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.93% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.75% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.80. 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 2.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CEW and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or VXUS?
Over the past year CEW returned +9.98% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CEW annualized +1.35% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.8% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and VXUS?
CEW and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or VXUS?
CEW yields 2.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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