NLR vs VXUS
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear 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 | NLR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -10.42% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.07% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.07% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.18% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NLR vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NLR returned +4.07% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, NLR is down 10.42% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, NLR compounded at +27.07% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.18% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.7% 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 -65.0% for NLR 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NLR charges 0.52% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $5 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NLR currently yields 2.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NLR and VXUS share 11 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NLR or VXUS?
NLR has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NLR or VXUS?
Over the past year NLR returned +4.07% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NLR annualized +3.91% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NLR or VXUS?
NLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NLR -65.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NLR and VXUS?
NLR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NLR and VXUS?
NLR and VXUS share 11 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NLR or VXUS?
NLR yields 2.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NLR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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