NMI vs VXUS
NMI vs VXUS
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Inc. 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 | NMI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 220 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.08% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.95% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.16% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NMI vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Inc. (NMI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMI returned +14.95% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NMI is up 11.08% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NMI compounded at +9.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.16% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.38%. 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 11.0% for NMI. 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 -34.4% for NMI 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMI charges 0.73% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $5 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMI currently yields 4.57% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NMI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7956 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, NMI or VXUS?
NMI has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMI or VXUS?
Over the past year NMI returned +14.95% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NMI annualized +0.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.0% for NMI. Worst drawdown: NMI -34.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NMI and VXUS?
NMI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMI and VXUS?
NMI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMI or VXUS?
NMI yields 4.57% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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