NIE vs VXUS
NIE vs VXUS
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income 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 | NIE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $797M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.22% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.37% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NIE vs VXUS Performance
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, NIE is up 9.56% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, NIE compounded at +17.37% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +3.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -63.8% for NIE 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIE charges 1.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $5 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIE currently yields 8.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NIE and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8017 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NIE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9988:HK | 0.37% | 0.73% | 0.36% |
| ORCL | 0.56% | 0.00% | 0.56% |
| BILL | 0.30% | 0.00% | 0.30% |
| GLXY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NVMI:IL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings NIE 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, NIE or VXUS?
NIE has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIE or VXUS?
Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NIE annualized +3.57% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIE or VXUS?
NIE has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NIE -63.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NIE and VXUS?
NIE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIE and VXUS?
NIE and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8017 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIE or VXUS?
NIE yields 8.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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