CGW vs VGI
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF vs Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund
Quick Verdict
CGW has a lower expense ratio. VGI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGI offers more diversification with 434 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGW | VGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 1.74% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $88M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 11.98% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 646 | |
| YTD Return | +3.18% | +1.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.35% | +4.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.35% | +11.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.63% | +1.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -63.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 14, 2007 | Feb 23, 2012 |
CGW vs VGI Performance
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year CGW returned +2.35% while VGI returned +4.44%. Year to date, CGW is up 3.18% versus a gain of 1.20% for VGI.
Over three years, CGW compounded at +10.35% per year against +11.02% for VGI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.63% and +1.85% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, CGW has the edge at +7.24% annualized vs -2.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.1% for VGI. 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 -57.2% for CGW and -63.3% for VGI. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGW charges 0.58% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $174 annually, a gap of $116 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGW currently yields 1.52% against 11.98% for VGI.
Holdings Overlap
CGW and VGI share 0 holdings out of 502 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, CGW or VGI?
CGW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VGI charges 1.74%. CGW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $116 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGW or VGI?
Over the past year CGW returned +2.35% vs +4.44% for VGI, so VGI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CGW annualized +7.24% vs -2.40% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGW or VGI?
CGW has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VGI. Worst drawdown: CGW -57.2% vs VGI -63.3%.
Should I hold both CGW and VGI?
CGW and VGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGW and VGI?
CGW and VGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 502 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGW or VGI?
CGW yields 1.52% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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