NUGO vs VXUS
Nuveen Growth Opportunities 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 | NUGO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.36% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.81% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.35% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NUGO vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGO returned +17.81% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NUGO is up 11.36% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +24.35% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +13.32% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGO charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7906 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, NUGO or VXUS?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or VXUS?
Over the past year NUGO returned +17.81% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +13.32% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or VXUS?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUGO and VXUS?
NUGO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGO and VXUS?
NUGO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7906 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or VXUS?
NUGO yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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