URNJ vs VXUS
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URNJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $366M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.63% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -12.76% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.90% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.28% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
URNJ vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URNJ returned +20.90% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, URNJ is down 12.76% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, URNJ compounded at +19.28% per year against +20.98% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, URNJ has the edge at +11.07% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.6% 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 -57.7% for URNJ 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URNJ charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URNJ currently yields 7.63% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
URNJ and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URNJ or VXUS?
URNJ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URNJ or VXUS?
Over the past year URNJ returned +20.90% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), URNJ annualized +11.07% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URNJ or VXUS?
URNJ has been the more volatile fund at 46.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: URNJ -57.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both URNJ and VXUS?
URNJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URNJ and VXUS?
URNJ and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URNJ or VXUS?
URNJ yields 7.63% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so URNJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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