NUSA vs VXUS
NUSA vs VXUS
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year 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 | NUSA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $34M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 321 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.40% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.23% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.20% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.40% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NUSA vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSA returned +2.23% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, NUSA is up 0.40% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUSA compounded at +4.20% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.40% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +0.96%. 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 2.5% for NUSA. 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 -9.9% for NUSA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSA charges 0.14% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $5 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSA currently yields 3.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NUSA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8101 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, NUSA or VXUS?
NUSA has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSA or VXUS?
Over the past year NUSA returned +2.23% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUSA annualized +0.96% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for NUSA. Worst drawdown: NUSA -9.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUSA and VXUS?
NUSA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSA and VXUS?
NUSA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSA or VXUS?
NUSA yields 3.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.