CHI vs VXUS
Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CHI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.83% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.77% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 624 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +29.00% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.35% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.70% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CHI vs VXUS Performance
Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (CHI) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHI returned +40.35% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, CHI is up 29.00% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, CHI compounded at +17.52% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.70% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -73.3% for CHI 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHI charges 1.83% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $183 vs $5 annually, a gap of $178 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHI currently yields 8.77% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CHI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8380 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, CHI or VXUS?
CHI has an expense ratio of 1.83% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $178 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHI or VXUS?
Over the past year CHI returned +40.35% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so CHI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CHI annualized +1.63% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHI or VXUS?
CHI has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CHI -73.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CHI and VXUS?
CHI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHI and VXUS?
CHI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8380 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHI or VXUS?
CHI yields 8.77% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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