CZA vs VXUS
Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF 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 | CZA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $189M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.90% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.93% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.64% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.62% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CZA vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF (CZA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CZA returned +21.93% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, CZA is up 13.90% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, CZA compounded at +13.64% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.62% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CZA has the edge at +9.76% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -53.2% for CZA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CZA 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, CZA currently yields 1.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CZA and VXUS share 11 holdings out of 7952 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CZA or VXUS?
CZA 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, CZA or VXUS?
Over the past year CZA returned +21.93% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CZA annualized +9.76% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CZA or VXUS?
CZA has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CZA -53.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CZA and VXUS?
CZA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CZA and VXUS?
CZA and VXUS share 11 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7952 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CZA or VXUS?
CZA yields 1.41% 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.