CNYA vs VXUS
iShares MSCI China A ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CNYA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $204M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.68% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 416 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.64% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.82% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CNYA vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CNYA returned +20.83% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, CNYA is up 4.64% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, CNYA compounded at +10.69% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.82% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CNYA has the edge at +5.99% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNYA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -49.5% for CNYA 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CNYA charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNYA currently yields 1.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CNYA and VXUS share 329 holdings out of 7938 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CNYA or VXUS?
CNYA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNYA or VXUS?
Over the past year CNYA returned +20.83% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CNYA annualized +5.99% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNYA or VXUS?
CNYA has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CNYA -49.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CNYA and VXUS?
CNYA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CNYA and VXUS?
CNYA and VXUS share 329 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNYA or VXUS?
CNYA yields 1.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, 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.