CGO vs VXUS
Calamos Global Total Return 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 | CGO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $203M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.69% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 714 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.30% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CGO vs VXUS Performance
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGO returned +22.35% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, CGO is up 19.30% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, CGO compounded at +21.69% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.51% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -67.0% for CGO 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
CGO charges 2.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $230 vs $5 annually, a gap of $225 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGO currently yields 5.69% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CGO and VXUS share 148 holdings out of 8206 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGO or VXUS?
CGO has an expense ratio of 2.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $225 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGO or VXUS?
Over the past year CGO returned +22.35% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CGO annualized +1.74% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGO or VXUS?
CGO has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CGO -67.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CGO and VXUS?
CGO 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 CGO and VXUS?
CGO and VXUS share 148 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8206 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGO or VXUS?
CGO yields 5.69% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so CGO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.