CNQ vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

CNQ (Canadian Natural Resources Limited) is a stock, while VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) is Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, CNQ returned 17.89%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for VXUS. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

CNQ vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CNQ achieves a 35.04% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 13.69% return. Over the past 10 years, CNQ has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 17.89%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 10.22% annualized return.

CNQ

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -5.59%
• YTD: 35.04%
• 6M: 38.56%
• 1Y: 38.90%
• 3Y*: 23.03%
• 5Y*: 26.12%
• 10Y*: 17.89%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

CNQ vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CNQ Canadian Natural Resources Limited	35.04%	15.58%	-1.31%	23.72%	42.82%	83.55%	-19.06%	39.72%	-29.92%	15.97%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between CNQ and VXUS is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.51

The correlation between CNQ and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.51 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CNQ vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CNQ

CNQ Risk / Return Rank: 81
CNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
CNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
CNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 76
CNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
CNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

CNQ vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	CNQ	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.77	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.44	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.33	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	2.53	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.92	9.72	-2.80

CNQ vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CNQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CNQ and VXUS, 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

CNQ vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CNQ drawdown since its inception was -80.75%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CNQ and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CNQ	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.75%	-35.97%	-44.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.16%	-11.27%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.85%	-13.58%	-22.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.85%	-29.44%	-6.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-77.84%	-35.97%	-41.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.57%	-1.47%	-8.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.51%	-8.21%	-15.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.30%	2.93%	+3.37%

Volatility

CNQ vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) has a higher volatility of 8.56% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 6.71%. This indicates that CNQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CNQ	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.56%	6.71%	+1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.09%	14.02%	+10.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.06%	16.09%	+12.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.86%	16.21%	+16.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.24%	17.20%	+23.04%

Dividends

CNQ vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

CNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.84%, more than VXUS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CNQ Canadian Natural Resources Limited	2.89%	5.01%	5.02%	4.17%	6.31%	3.78%	5.26%	3.49%	4.56%	3.08%	2.94%	4.21%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CNQ and VXUS in my portfolio?

CNQ and VXUS have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CNQ or VXUS?

CNQ has higher volatility (8.56%) compared to VXUS (6.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CNQ dropped -80.75% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.51), 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.