CHW vs VXUS
Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CHW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.27% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $892M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.02% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 775 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.51% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.11% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.79% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.96% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CHW vs VXUS Performance
Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund (CHW) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHW returned +26.11% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, CHW is up 19.51% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, CHW compounded at +22.79% per year against +19.65% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.96% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.87% annualized vs -0.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -73.0% for CHW 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHW charges 2.27% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $227 vs $5 annually, a gap of $222 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHW currently yields 6.02% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CHW and VXUS share 144 holdings out of 8224 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CHW or VXUS?
CHW has an expense ratio of 2.27% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $222 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHW or VXUS?
Over the past year CHW returned +26.11% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so CHW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CHW annualized -0.29% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHW or VXUS?
CHW has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CHW -73.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CHW and VXUS?
CHW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHW and VXUS?
CHW and VXUS share 144 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8224 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHW or VXUS?
CHW yields 6.02% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CHW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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