NFJ vs VXUS
NFJ vs VXUS
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 182 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +24.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.28% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.48% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NFJ vs VXUS Performance
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NFJ) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFJ returned +34.28% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NFJ is up 24.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NFJ compounded at +17.48% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.81% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -70.3% for NFJ 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFJ charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFJ currently yields 7.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NFJ and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 8006 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NFJ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTR:CA | 0.91% | 0.08% | 0.83% |
| HBAN | 0.89% | 0.05% | 0.84% |
| 9988:HK | 0.20% | 0.73% | 0.53% |
| MGA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BILL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GLXY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NVMI:IL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings NFJ shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFJ or VXUS?
NFJ has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFJ or VXUS?
Over the past year NFJ returned +34.28% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so NFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NFJ annualized -0.15% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFJ or VXUS?
NFJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NFJ -70.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NFJ and VXUS?
NFJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFJ and VXUS?
NFJ and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8006 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFJ or VXUS?
NFJ yields 7.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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