SPXX vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPXXVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.91%0.05%
AUM-$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.06%2.60%
Holdings3448,747
YTD Return+10.97%+14.57%
1Y Return+15.55%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.69%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.82%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-60.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyNuveenVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 22, 2005Jan 26, 2011

SPXX vs VXUS Performance

Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (SPXX) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPXX returned +15.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPXX is up 10.97% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, SPXX compounded at +15.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.82% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -60.0% for SPXX 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPXX charges 0.91% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $5 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXX currently yields 7.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

SPXX and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8170 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPXXWeight in VXUSDifference
ORCL0.64%0.00%0.64%
PDD0.01%0.18%0.17%
RBA:CA0.03%0.04%0.01%
CNHI:ASProProPro
EGPProProPro
AMProProPro
See all 6 holdings SPXX 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, SPXX or VXUS?

SPXX has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPXX or VXUS?

Over the past year SPXX returned +15.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPXX annualized +1.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPXX or VXUS?

SPXX has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPXX -60.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SPXX and VXUS?

SPXX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPXX and VXUS?

SPXX and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8170 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPXX or VXUS?

SPXX yields 7.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPXX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →