CPST vs VXUS
CPST vs VXUS
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September 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 | CPST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.64% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 3, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CPST vs VXUS Performance
Calamos S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF - September (CPST) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPST returned +6.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CPST is up 3.64% 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 2.5% for CPST. 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 -3.8% for CPST 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPST 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, CPST currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CPST and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, CPST or VXUS?
CPST 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, CPST or VXUS?
Over the past year CPST returned +6.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CPST annualized +6.67% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPST or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for CPST. Worst drawdown: CPST -3.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CPST and VXUS?
CPST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CPST and VXUS?
CPST and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPST or VXUS?
CPST yields 0.00% 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.