CMDT vs VXUS
PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CMDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CMDT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $826M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.53% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.53% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CMDT vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CMDT returned +31.53% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CMDT is up 22.53% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, CMDT compounded at +13.49% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, CMDT has the edge at +14.47% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 11.3% for CMDT. 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 -13.2% for CMDT 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CMDT charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CMDT currently yields 1.91% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CMDT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8018 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, CMDT or VXUS?
CMDT has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CMDT or VXUS?
Over the past year CMDT returned +31.53% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so CMDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CMDT annualized +14.47% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CMDT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.3% for CMDT. Worst drawdown: CMDT -13.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CMDT and VXUS?
CMDT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CMDT and VXUS?
CMDT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8018 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMDT or VXUS?
CMDT yields 1.91% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.