NPFD vs VXUS
NPFD vs VXUS
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & 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 | NPFD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.84% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.69% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.40% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.64% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NPFD vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFD returned +4.40% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NPFD is up 2.69% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NPFD compounded at +14.64% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NPFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -39.2% for NPFD 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPFD charges 0.83% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $5 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPFD currently yields 9.84% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NPFD and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8009 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPFD or VXUS?
NPFD has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFD or VXUS?
Over the past year NPFD returned +4.40% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NPFD annualized +2.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFD or VXUS?
NPFD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NPFD -39.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NPFD and VXUS?
NPFD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPFD and VXUS?
NPFD and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8009 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFD or VXUS?
NPFD yields 9.84% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NPFD 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.