JCE vs VXUS
JCE vs VXUS
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund 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 | JCE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.94% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.38% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JCE vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, JCE is up 12.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +19.38% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -64.9% for JCE 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $5 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7978 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, JCE or VXUS?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or VXUS?
Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JCE annualized +2.22% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or VXUS?
JCE has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JCE and VXUS?
JCE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and VXUS?
JCE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7978 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or VXUS?
JCE yields 7.72% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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