JGH vs VXUS
JGH vs VXUS
Nuveen Global High 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 | JGH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.73% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 369 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.29% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.85% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.06% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.27% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JGH vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JGH returned +4.85% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, JGH is up 6.29% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, JGH compounded at +13.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.27% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -48.9% for JGH 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JGH charges 3.73% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $373 vs $5 annually, a gap of $368 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JGH currently yields 9.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JGH and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7875 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, JGH or VXUS?
JGH has an expense ratio of 3.73% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $368 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JGH or VXUS?
Over the past year JGH returned +4.85% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), JGH annualized +1.47% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JGH or VXUS?
JGH has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JGH -48.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JGH and VXUS?
JGH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JGH and VXUS?
JGH and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JGH or VXUS?
JGH yields 9.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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