CSF vs VXUS

CSF vs VXUS

Which is better, CSF or VXUS?

Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CSF led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSFVXUS
Expense Ratio0.41%0.05%Best
AUM$26M$158.1B
Dividend Yield1.51%2.51%
Holdings5088,747
Volatility (annualized)16.1%14.9%Best
Max Drawdown-35.9%Best-39.9%
$10,000 over 10.7 years$16,889Best$13,396
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
StyleSmall Cap BlendLarge Cap Blend
InceptionJul 31, 2014Jan 26, 2011

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 512 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. CSF has data through Apr 23, 2025 and VXUS through Sep 17, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 10.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 1, 2014 to Apr 23, 2025 (10.7 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.9% 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 -35.9% for CSF and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.51. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSF charges 0.41% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $5 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSF currently yields 1.51% against 2.51% for VXUS.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of CSF and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

CSFVXUS

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSF or VXUS?

CSF has an expense ratio of 0.41% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, CSF or VXUS?

CSF has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CSF -35.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both CSF and VXUS?

CSF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSF or VXUS?

CSF yields 1.51% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VXUS better than CSF?

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CSF led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.