NAZ vs VXUS
Nuveen Arizona 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 | NAZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.72% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.80% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 219 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.52% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.08% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.17% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 1992 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NAZ vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAZ) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NAZ returned +11.52% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NAZ is up 7.51% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NAZ compounded at +12.08% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.63%. 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 12.3% for NAZ. 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 -49.5% for NAZ 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NAZ charges 3.72% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $372 vs $5 annually, a gap of $367 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NAZ currently yields 6.80% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NAZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7900 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, NAZ or VXUS?
NAZ has an expense ratio of 3.72% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $367 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NAZ or VXUS?
Over the past year NAZ returned +11.52% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NAZ annualized +0.63% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAZ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.3% for NAZ. Worst drawdown: NAZ -49.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NAZ and VXUS?
NAZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NAZ and VXUS?
NAZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAZ or VXUS?
NAZ yields 6.80% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NAZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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