CEFD vs VXUS
ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5X Leveraged Closed-End Fund Index ETN vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, CEFD or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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
| Metric | CEFD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.05% |
| AUM | $8M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 14.82% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | - | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | -0.91% | +10.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.96% | +17.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.05% | +19.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.19% | +8.55%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -29.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,609 | $15,071Best |
| Fund Family | UBS AG | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 3, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.4 years).
CEFD vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.4 years both funds cover.
CEFD vs VXUS Performance
ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5X Leveraged Closed-End Fund Index ETN (CEFD) is an ETF from UBS AG and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFD returned +0.96% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, CEFD is down 0.91% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, CEFD compounded at +15.05% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.19% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +11.25% annualized vs +6.01%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% compared with 14.8% 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 -37.0% for CEFD and -29.4% 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEFD and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, CEFD or VXUS?
Over the past year CEFD returned +0.96% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), CEFD annualized +6.01% vs +11.25% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEFD or VXUS?
CEFD has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CEFD -37.0% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both CEFD and VXUS?
CEFD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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, CEFD or VXUS?
CEFD yields 14.82% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so CEFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than CEFD?
VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.