NPFI vs VXUS
NPFI vs VXUS
Nuveen Preferred and Income 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 | NPFI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $171M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 154 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.85% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.58% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NPFI vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Preferred and Income ETF (NPFI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFI returned +5.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NPFI is up 1.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.3% for NPFI. 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 -3.2% for NPFI 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPFI charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPFI currently yields 6.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NPFI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7979 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, NPFI or VXUS?
NPFI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFI or VXUS?
Over the past year NPFI returned +5.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NPFI annualized +7.61% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.3% for NPFI. Worst drawdown: NPFI -3.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NPFI and VXUS?
NPFI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPFI and VXUS?
NPFI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7979 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFI or VXUS?
NPFI yields 6.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NPFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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