CIGEX vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CIGEX (Calamos Global Equity Fund) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both funds - CIGEX is a Global Equities fund managed by Calamos, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, CIGEX returned 15.84%/yr vs 10.52%/yr for VGK. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CIGEX charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

CIGEX vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Global Equity Fund (CIGEX) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIGEX achieves a 21.64% return, which is significantly higher than VGK's 7.49% return. Over the past 10 years, CIGEX has outperformed VGK with an annualized return of 15.84%, while VGK has yielded a comparatively lower 10.52% annualized return.

CIGEX

• 1D: 2.29%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 21.64%
• 6M: 20.90%
• 1Y: 36.09%
• 3Y*: 26.28%
• 5Y*: 12.95%
• 10Y*: 15.84%

VGK

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.98%
• 1Y: 21.63%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 9.05%
• 10Y*: 10.52%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CIGEX vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIGEX Calamos Global Equity Fund	21.64%	18.46%	30.61%	24.55%	-27.42%	16.61%	44.24%	29.43%	-15.54%	34.56%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	7.49%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	26.98%

Correlation

The correlation between CIGEX and VGK is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2007	0.80

The correlation between CIGEX and VGK shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (3 years) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CIGEX vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CIGEX

CIGEX Risk / Return Rank: 44
CIGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
CIGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
CIGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CIGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
CIGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 39
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 43

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CIGEX vs. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Global Equity Fund (CIGEX) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CIGEX	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.38	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.00	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.25	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	1.80	+0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.88	6.67	+3.21

CIGEX vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIGEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIGEX and VGK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CIGEX vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIGEX drawdown since its inception was -60.48%, roughly equal to the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIGEX and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIGEX	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.48%	-63.61%	+3.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.31%	-12.09%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.41%	-14.31%	-6.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.81%	-32.74%	-3.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.81%	-37.24%	+1.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-0.68%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.32%	-13.31%	+2.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	3.25%	+0.31%

Volatility

CIGEX vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

Calamos Global Equity Fund (CIGEX) has a higher volatility of 8.04% compared to Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) at 4.82%. This indicates that CIGEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIGEX	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.04%	4.82%	+3.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.94%	13.33%	+3.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.32%	15.79%	+4.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.67%	17.96%	+1.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.56%	18.90%	+0.66%

CIGEX vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIGEX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIGEX vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

CIGEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.63%, more than VGK's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIGEX Calamos Global Equity Fund	12.63%	15.37%	8.67%	0.10%	4.43%	11.75%	6.51%	7.44%	27.66%	9.21%	4.62%	1.98%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.91%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIGEX and VGK in my portfolio?

CIGEX and VGK have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIGEX or VGK?

CIGEX has higher volatility (8.04%) compared to VGK (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIGEX dropped -60.48% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CIGEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.38), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.