STAX vs VXUS
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term 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 | STAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $13M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.63% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
STAX vs VXUS Performance
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STAX returned +2.63% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, STAX is up 1.32% 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 1.7% for STAX. 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 -1.4% for STAX 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STAX charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STAX currently yields 3.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
STAX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7874 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, STAX or VXUS?
STAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STAX or VXUS?
Over the past year STAX returned +2.63% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), STAX annualized +3.45% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STAX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.7% for STAX. Worst drawdown: STAX -1.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both STAX and VXUS?
STAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STAX and VXUS?
STAX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STAX or VXUS?
STAX yields 3.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so STAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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