NMT vs VXUS
NMT vs VXUS
Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income 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 | NMT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.90% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 114 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.53% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.97% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.41% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.26% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 18, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NMT vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund (NMT) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMT returned +18.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NMT is up 15.53% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NMT compounded at +13.41% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.26% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.58%. 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 11.7% for NMT. 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 -49.6% for NMT 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMT charges 3.90% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $390 vs $5 annually, a gap of $385 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMT currently yields 6.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NMT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7889 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, NMT or VXUS?
NMT has an expense ratio of 3.90% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $385 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMT or VXUS?
Over the past year NMT returned +18.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NMT annualized +0.58% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.7% for NMT. Worst drawdown: NMT -49.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NMT and VXUS?
NMT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMT and VXUS?
NMT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMT or VXUS?
NMT yields 6.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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