Quick Verdict

VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNRKVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio-0.05%
AUM-$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.52%2.60%
Holdings2308,747
YTD Return+8.50%+14.57%
1Y Return+19.17%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.45%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.37%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)12.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-46.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyNuveenVanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionNov 21, 2002Jan 26, 2011

NRK vs VXUS Performance

Nuveen New York AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (NRK) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NRK returned +19.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NRK is up 8.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, NRK compounded at +8.45% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.37% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.19%. 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 12.2% for NRK. 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 -46.4% for NRK 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

NRK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7962 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, NRK or VXUS?

Over the past year NRK returned +19.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NRK annualized -0.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NRK or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for NRK. Worst drawdown: NRK -46.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both NRK and VXUS?

NRK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NRK and VXUS?

NRK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7962 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, NRK or VXUS?

NRK yields 7.52% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so NRK currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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