NHYM vs VXUS
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Income 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 | NHYM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $136M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 199 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.76% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.08% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NHYM vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Income ETF (NHYM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NHYM returned +8.08% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, NHYM is up 1.76% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.5% for NHYM. 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 -6.1% for NHYM 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NHYM 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, NHYM currently yields 4.49% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NHYM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7950 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, NHYM or VXUS?
NHYM 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, NHYM or VXUS?
Over the past year NHYM returned +8.08% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NHYM annualized +3.41% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NHYM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for NHYM. Worst drawdown: NHYM -6.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NHYM and VXUS?
NHYM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NHYM and VXUS?
NHYM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7950 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NHYM or VXUS?
NHYM yields 4.49% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NHYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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