JFR vs VXUS
JFR vs VXUS
Nuveen Floating Rate 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 | JFR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.52% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 450 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.04% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.55% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.42% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.45% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JFR vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund (JFR) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JFR returned +3.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, JFR is up 7.04% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, JFR compounded at +11.42% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.45% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -69.0% for JFR 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JFR charges 5.52% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $552 vs $5 annually, a gap of $547 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JFR currently yields 11.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JFR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8131 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, JFR or VXUS?
JFR has an expense ratio of 5.52% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $547 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JFR or VXUS?
Over the past year JFR returned +3.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JFR annualized -0.36% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JFR or VXUS?
JFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JFR -69.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JFR and VXUS?
JFR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JFR and VXUS?
JFR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JFR or VXUS?
JFR yields 11.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JFR 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.