MBNE vs VXUS
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF 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 | MBNE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $9M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.17% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.79% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.37% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MBNE vs VXUS Performance
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF (MBNE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MBNE returned +3.79% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, MBNE is down 0.17% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, MBNE compounded at +2.37% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +2.09%. 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 5.5% for MBNE. 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 -6.2% for MBNE 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MBNE charges 0.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $5 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MBNE currently yields 3.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MBNE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7869 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, MBNE or VXUS?
MBNE has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MBNE or VXUS?
Over the past year MBNE returned +3.79% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MBNE annualized +2.09% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MBNE or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for MBNE. Worst drawdown: MBNE -6.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MBNE and VXUS?
MBNE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MBNE and VXUS?
MBNE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MBNE or VXUS?
MBNE yields 3.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MBNE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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