NBB vs VXUS
NBB vs VXUS
Nuveen Taxable 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 | NBB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 155 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.85% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.82% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.65% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.20% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NBB vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund (NBB) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NBB returned +3.82% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NBB is up 1.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NBB compounded at +8.65% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.20% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.77%. 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 11.1% for NBB. 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 -33.5% for NBB 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NBB charges 2.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $210 vs $5 annually, a gap of $205 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NBB currently yields 7.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NBB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, NBB or VXUS?
NBB has an expense ratio of 2.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $205 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NBB or VXUS?
Over the past year NBB returned +3.82% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NBB annualized +0.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NBB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.1% for NBB. Worst drawdown: NBB -33.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NBB and VXUS?
NBB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NBB and VXUS?
NBB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NBB or VXUS?
NBB yields 7.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NBB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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