NATO vs VXUS
Themes Transatlantic Defense 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 | NATO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $103M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.67% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.45% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NATO vs VXUS Performance
Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NATO returned +19.45% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, NATO is up 10.67% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NATO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -16.0% for NATO 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NATO charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NATO currently yields 0.42% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NATO and VXUS share 23 holdings out of 7921 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NATO or VXUS?
NATO has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NATO or VXUS?
Over the past year NATO returned +19.45% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NATO annualized +34.01% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NATO or VXUS?
NATO has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NATO -16.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NATO and VXUS?
NATO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NATO and VXUS?
NATO and VXUS share 23 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7921 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NATO or VXUS?
NATO yields 0.42% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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