CPSA vs VXUS

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

MetricCPSAVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.69%0.05%
AUM$43M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings58,747
YTD Return+4.36%+14.57%
1Y Return+6.98%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)2.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-4.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyCalamos InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 1, 2024Jan 26, 2011

CPSA vs VXUS Performance

Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - August (CPSA) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPSA returned +6.98% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CPSA is up 4.36% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.9% for CPSA. 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 -4.7% for CPSA 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPSA charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPSA currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CPSA or VXUS?

CPSA has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPSA or VXUS?

Over the past year CPSA returned +6.98% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPSA annualized +7.67% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPSA or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.9% for CPSA. Worst drawdown: CPSA -4.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both CPSA and VXUS?

CPSA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPSA or VXUS?

CPSA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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