FOF vs VXUS
Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund Inc. 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 | FOF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.76% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.63% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.33% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.55% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.06% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FOF vs VXUS Performance
Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund Inc. (FOF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FOF returned +12.33% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, FOF is up 7.63% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, FOF compounded at +17.55% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.06% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FOF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -66.8% for FOF 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FOF charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FOF currently yields 7.76% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FOF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7960 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, FOF or VXUS?
FOF has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FOF or VXUS?
Over the past year FOF returned +12.33% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FOF annualized +0.38% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FOF or VXUS?
FOF has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FOF -66.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FOF and VXUS?
FOF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FOF and VXUS?
FOF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FOF or VXUS?
FOF yields 7.76% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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