NMS vs VXUS
NMS vs VXUS
Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 145 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.62% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.07% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.68% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NMS vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund (NMS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMS returned +9.07% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NMS is up 2.62% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NMS compounded at +8.84% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.68% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.28%. 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 13.3% for NMS. 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 -41.8% for NMS 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
NMS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7876 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, NMS or VXUS?
Over the past year NMS returned +9.07% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), NMS annualized +0.28% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for NMS. Worst drawdown: NMS -41.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NMS and VXUS?
NMS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMS and VXUS?
NMS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMS or VXUS?
NMS yields 6.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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