NEAR vs VXUS
NEAR vs VXUS
iShares Short Duration Bond Active 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NEAR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,622 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.42% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.03% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.35% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.30% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NEAR vs VXUS Performance
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF (NEAR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NEAR returned -0.03% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, NEAR is down 1.42% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, NEAR compounded at +4.35% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.30% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +2.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 1.6% for NEAR. 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 -9.6% for NEAR 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NEAR charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NEAR currently yields 4.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NEAR and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8439 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NEAR | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.00% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NEAR or VXUS?
NEAR has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NEAR or VXUS?
Over the past year NEAR returned -0.03% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NEAR annualized +2.18% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NEAR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 1.6% for NEAR. Worst drawdown: NEAR -9.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NEAR and VXUS?
NEAR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NEAR and VXUS?
NEAR and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8439 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NEAR or VXUS?
NEAR yields 4.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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