JLS vs VXUS
JLS vs VXUS
Nuveen Mortgage and 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 | JLS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.90% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JLS vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.11% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +11.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.55%. 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 10.8% for JLS. 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 -51.2% for JLS 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $5 annually, a gap of $157 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JLS currently yields 9.78% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or VXUS?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $157 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or VXUS?
Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JLS annualized +0.55% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JLS and VXUS?
JLS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or VXUS?
JLS yields 9.78% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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