Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCLSMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.82%0.05%
AUM$94M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.76%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+18.59%+14.57%
1Y Return+26.16%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.28%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.73%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)12.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-27.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyThe Cabana Group, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionJul 12, 2021Jan 26, 2011

CLSM vs VXUS Performance

ETC Cabana Target Leading Sector Moderate ETF (CLSM) is a ETF from The Cabana Group, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CLSM returned +26.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CLSM is up 18.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, CLSM compounded at +13.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.73% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.5% for CLSM. 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 -27.8% for CLSM 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CLSM charges 0.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $5 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CLSM currently yields 0.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CLSM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, CLSM or VXUS?

CLSM has an expense ratio of 0.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CLSM or VXUS?

Over the past year CLSM returned +26.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CLSM annualized +3.87% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CLSM or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for CLSM. Worst drawdown: CLSM -27.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both CLSM and VXUS?

CLSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CLSM and VXUS?

CLSM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CLSM or VXUS?

CLSM yields 0.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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