CWB vs VXUS
CWB vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities 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 | CWB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.85% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 14, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CWB vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF (CWB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWB returned +24.43% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, CWB is up 15.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, CWB compounded at +16.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.85% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CWB has the edge at +8.00% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.8% for CWB. 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 -32.2% for CWB 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWB charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWB currently yields 1.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CWB and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7961 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CWB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARC:LN | 0.22% | 0.19% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWB or VXUS?
CWB has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWB or VXUS?
Over the past year CWB returned +24.43% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CWB annualized +8.00% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for CWB. Worst drawdown: CWB -32.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CWB and VXUS?
CWB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CWB and VXUS?
CWB and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7961 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWB or VXUS?
CWB yields 1.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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