CSA vs VXUS

CSA vs VXUS
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Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSAVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.05%
AUM$20M$158.1B
Dividend Yield1.50%2.59%
Holdings5078,747
YTD Return-10.11%+15.22%
1Y Return+0.59%+26.86%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.64%+20.34%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.99%+9.38%
Volatility (annualized)20.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-42.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 7, 2015Jan 26, 2011

CSA vs VXUS Performance

VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF (CSA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSA returned +0.59% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CSA is down 10.11% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.

Over three years, CSA compounded at +3.64% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.99% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CSA has the edge at +8.20% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -42.4% for CSA 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSA charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSA currently yields 1.50% against 2.59% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSA or VXUS?

CSA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CSA or VXUS?

Over the past year CSA returned +0.59% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CSA annualized +8.20% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSA or VXUS?

CSA has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CSA -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both CSA and VXUS?

CSA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSA or VXUS?

CSA yields 1.50% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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