JQC vs VXUS
Nuveen Credit Strategies 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 | JQC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 471 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.05% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.93% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.55% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JQC vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JQC returned -0.93% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, JQC is up 3.05% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, JQC compounded at +10.55% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.16% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JQC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -81.3% for JQC 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JQC charges 5.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $548 vs $5 annually, a gap of $543 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JQC currently yields 11.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JQC and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8124 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 JQC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOGN:PA | -17.48% | 0.14% | 17.62% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JQC or VXUS?
JQC has an expense ratio of 5.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $543 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JQC or VXUS?
Over the past year JQC returned -0.93% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JQC annualized -2.29% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JQC or VXUS?
JQC has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JQC -81.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JQC and VXUS?
JQC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JQC and VXUS?
JQC and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8124 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JQC or VXUS?
JQC yields 11.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JQC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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