JRI vs VXUS
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JRI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.87% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.57% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.00% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.68% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.47% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JRI vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JRI returned +6.00% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, JRI is down 0.57% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, JRI compounded at +16.68% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.47% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -64.3% for JRI 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JRI charges 3.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $397 vs $5 annually, a gap of $392 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JRI currently yields 11.87% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JRI and VXUS share 60 holdings out of 8056 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JRI or VXUS?
JRI has an expense ratio of 3.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $392 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JRI or VXUS?
Over the past year JRI returned +6.00% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), JRI annualized +1.01% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JRI or VXUS?
JRI has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JRI -64.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JRI and VXUS?
JRI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JRI and VXUS?
JRI and VXUS share 60 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8056 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JRI or VXUS?
JRI yields 11.87% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so JRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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