NUEM vs VXUS
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NUEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $422M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.14% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.06% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.17% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.40% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.52% | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NUEM vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUEM returned +31.17% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, NUEM is up 17.06% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +19.40% per year against +19.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.52% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, NUEM has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +4.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -39.5% for NUEM 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUEM currently yields 3.14% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and VXUS share 110 holdings out of 8160 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUEM or VXUS?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or VXUS?
Over the past year NUEM returned +31.17% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so NUEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.99% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or VXUS?
NUEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUEM and VXUS?
NUEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and VXUS?
NUEM and VXUS share 110 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8160 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or VXUS?
NUEM yields 3.14% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so NUEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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