CHY vs VXUS
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CHY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.84% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 620 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.39% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.18% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.84% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CHY vs VXUS Performance
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund (CHY) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, CHY is up 21.39% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Over three years, CHY compounded at +17.18% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.84% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.84% annualized vs +1.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -66.9% for CHY 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHY charges 1.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $184 vs $5 annually, a gap of $179 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHY currently yields 8.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CHY 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, CHY or VXUS?
CHY has an expense ratio of 1.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $179 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHY or VXUS?
Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so CHY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CHY annualized +1.59% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHY or VXUS?
CHY has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CHY -66.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CHY and VXUS?
CHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHY and VXUS?
CHY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8380 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHY or VXUS?
CHY yields 8.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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