CII vs VXUS
BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CII delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CII | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.48% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.52% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.48% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.30% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 27, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CII vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc (CII) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CII returned +30.48% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CII is up 10.52% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, CII compounded at +21.30% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -64.8% for CII 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CII charges 0.91% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $5 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CII currently yields 16.48% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CII and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7905 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CII | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTO:LN | 2.39% | 0.03% | 2.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CII or VXUS?
CII has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CII or VXUS?
Over the past year CII returned +30.48% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so CII leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CII annualized +3.26% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CII or VXUS?
CII has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CII -64.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CII and VXUS?
CII and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CII and VXUS?
CII and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CII or VXUS?
CII yields 16.48% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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