NUSC vs VXUS
NUSC vs VXUS
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.36% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.96% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NUSC vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, NUSC is up 17.36% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.11% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.27% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +10.19% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -41.5% for NUSC 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $5 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8287 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 NUSC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGP | 0.46% | 0.00% | 0.46% |
| CASH | 0.17% | 0.00% | 0.17% |
| SIG:LN | 0.14% | 0.02% | 0.12% |
| SCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ESE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 601318:SH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings NUSC 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, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSC or VXUS?
Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.19% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUSC and VXUS?
NUSC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and VXUS?
NUSC and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8287 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC yields 0.90% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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