NIKL vs VXUS
NIKL vs VXUS
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $51M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -13.90% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.91% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NIKL vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIKL returned +18.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NIKL is down 13.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -4.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.6% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIKL currently yields 3.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7881 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NIKL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIC:AU | 14.52% | 0.00% | 14.52% |
| ANTM:ID | 14.19% | 0.00% | 14.19% |
| IGO:AU | 8.97% | 0.01% | 8.96% |
| INCO:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NCKL:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHN:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings NIKL 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, NIKL or VXUS?
NIKL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIKL or VXUS?
Over the past year NIKL returned +18.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -2.82% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or VXUS?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NIKL and VXUS?
NIKL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and VXUS?
NIKL and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or VXUS?
NIKL yields 3.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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