NUAG vs VXUS
NUAG vs VXUS
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond 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 | NUAG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $95M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 862 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.36% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.96% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.50% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.21% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NUAG vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUAG returned +2.96% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, NUAG is down 0.36% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUAG compounded at +4.50% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.21% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.5% for NUAG. 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 -20.8% for NUAG 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUAG charges 0.16% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $5 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUAG currently yields 4.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NUAG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8646 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, NUAG or VXUS?
NUAG has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUAG or VXUS?
Over the past year NUAG returned +2.96% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUAG annualized +0.08% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUAG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for NUAG. Worst drawdown: NUAG -20.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUAG and VXUS?
NUAG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUAG and VXUS?
NUAG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUAG or VXUS?
NUAG yields 4.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NUAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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