NZAC vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned 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 | NZAC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $190M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.40% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.77% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NZAC vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NZAC returned +19.77% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, NZAC is up 10.40% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, NZAC compounded at +18.88% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, NZAC has the edge at +9.06% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 14.8% for NZAC. 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 -33.7% for NZAC 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NZAC charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NZAC currently yields 2.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NZAC and VXUS share 321 holdings out of 8210 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NZAC or VXUS?
NZAC has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NZAC or VXUS?
Over the past year NZAC returned +19.77% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), NZAC annualized +9.06% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NZAC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for NZAC. Worst drawdown: NZAC -33.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NZAC and VXUS?
NZAC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NZAC and VXUS?
NZAC and VXUS share 321 common holdings with a 14.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NZAC or VXUS?
NZAC yields 2.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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