CXSE vs VXUS
WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CXSE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $495M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -7.03% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.01% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.19% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.75% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CXSE vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CXSE returned +2.01% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CXSE is down 7.03% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, CXSE compounded at +9.19% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -5.75% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CXSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -70.0% for CXSE 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CXSE charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CXSE currently yields 1.52% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CXSE and VXUS share 180 holdings out of 7940 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CXSE or VXUS?
CXSE has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CXSE or VXUS?
Over the past year CXSE returned +2.01% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), CXSE annualized +3.65% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CXSE or VXUS?
CXSE has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CXSE -70.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CXSE and VXUS?
CXSE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CXSE and VXUS?
CXSE and VXUS share 180 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7940 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CXSE or VXUS?
CXSE yields 1.52% while VXUS yields 2.59%, 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.