NCZ vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NCZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: NCZMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNCZVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.44%0.05%
AUM$321M$156.5B
Dividend Yield8.16%2.60%
Holdings2208,747
YTD Return+20.22%+14.57%
1Y Return+32.27%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.27%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+5.41%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)25.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-85.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryConvertibleEquity
InceptionJul 31, 2003Jan 26, 2011

NCZ vs VXUS Performance

Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II (NCZ) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NCZ returned +32.27% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NCZ is up 20.22% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, NCZ compounded at +22.27% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -3.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

NCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% 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 -85.6% for NCZ 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

NCZ charges 1.44% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $144 vs $5 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCZ currently yields 8.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.6%overlap

NCZ and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7953 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in NCZWeight in VXUSDifference
9988:HK0.59%0.73%0.14%
ORCL0.91%0.00%0.91%
BILL0.48%0.00%0.48%
GLXYProProPro
NVMI:ILProProPro
See all 5 holdings NCZ shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, NCZ or VXUS?

NCZ has an expense ratio of 1.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.

Which performed better, NCZ or VXUS?

Over the past year NCZ returned +32.27% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so NCZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NCZ annualized -3.03% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NCZ or VXUS?

NCZ has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NCZ -85.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both NCZ and VXUS?

NCZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NCZ and VXUS?

NCZ and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7953 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, NCZ or VXUS?

NCZ yields 8.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →