NIM vs VXUS
NIM vs VXUS
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal 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 | NIM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 537 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.30% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.37% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 1992 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NIM vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIM returned +6.30% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NIM is up 3.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NIM compounded at +5.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.37% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.07%. 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 8.8% for NIM. 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 -30.4% for NIM 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIM charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIM currently yields 3.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIM or VXUS?
NIM has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIM or VXUS?
Over the past year NIM returned +6.30% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NIM annualized -0.07% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.8% for NIM. Worst drawdown: NIM -30.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NIM and VXUS?
NIM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIM or VXUS?
NIM yields 3.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.