NAC vs VXUS
NAC vs VXUS
Nuveen California Quality Municipal 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 | NAC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.49% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 346 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.34% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.23% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.88% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.24% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 26, 1999 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NAC vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NAC returned +13.23% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NAC is up 4.34% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NAC compounded at +10.88% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.24% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.26%. 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 13.0% for NAC. 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 -53.7% for NAC 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NAC charges 3.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $379 vs $5 annually, a gap of $374 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NAC currently yields 7.49% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NAC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8001 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, NAC or VXUS?
NAC has an expense ratio of 3.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $374 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NAC or VXUS?
Over the past year NAC returned +13.23% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NAC annualized +0.26% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.0% for NAC. Worst drawdown: NAC -53.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NAC and VXUS?
NAC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NAC and VXUS?
NAC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAC or VXUS?
NAC yields 7.49% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NAC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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