NDMO vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNDMOVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio2.92%0.05%
AUM-$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.09%2.60%
Holdings5438,747
YTD Return+3.39%+14.57%
1Y Return+9.81%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.06%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-3.82%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)18.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-42.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyNuveenVanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionAug 26, 2020Jan 26, 2011

NDMO vs VXUS Performance

Nuveen Dynamic Municipal Opportunities Fund (NDMO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NDMO returned +9.81% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NDMO is up 3.39% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, NDMO compounded at +5.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -3.82% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

NDMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -42.5% for NDMO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

NDMO charges 2.92% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $292 vs $5 annually, a gap of $287 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NDMO currently yields 7.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

NDMO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8059 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, NDMO or VXUS?

NDMO has an expense ratio of 2.92% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $287 per year of difference.

Which performed better, NDMO or VXUS?

Over the past year NDMO returned +9.81% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), NDMO annualized -0.47% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NDMO or VXUS?

NDMO has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NDMO -42.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both NDMO and VXUS?

NDMO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NDMO and VXUS?

NDMO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8059 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, NDMO or VXUS?

NDMO yields 7.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NDMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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