HGLB vs VUSE
Highland Global Allocation Fund vs Vident US Equity Strategy ETF
Which is better, HGLB or VUSE?
VUSE has been ahead.
VUSE has a lower expense ratio. VUSE led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGLB | VUSE |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.67% | 0.50%Best |
| AUM | $253M | $684M |
| Dividend Yield | 9.50% | 0.33% |
| Holdings | 57 | 248 |
| YTD Return | -20.34% | +10.16%Best |
| 1Y Return | -26.42% | +10.16%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.12% | +16.04%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.05% | +11.50%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.5% | 19.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -74.1% | -42.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,196 | $17,234Best |
| Fund Family | NexPoint | Vident Financial |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Mid Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 5, 1998 | Jan 22, 2014 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 19, 2019 to Oct 14, 2026 (7.6 years).
HGLB vs VUSE growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7.6 years both funds cover.
HGLB vs VUSE Performance
Highland Global Allocation Fund (HGLB) is an ETF from NexPoint and Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is an ETF from Vident Financial. Over the past year HGLB returned -26.42% while VUSE returned +10.16%. Year to date, HGLB is down 20.34% versus a gain of 10.16% for VUSE.
Over three years, HGLB compounded at +7.12% per year against +16.04% for VUSE; over five years the annualized figures are +4.05% and +11.50% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VUSE has the edge at +12.24% annualized vs -2.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HGLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.5% compared with 19.2% for VUSE. 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 -74.1% for HGLB and -42.6% for VUSE. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGLB charges 2.67% per year while VUSE charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $267 vs $50 annually, a gap of $217 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGLB currently yields 9.50% against 0.33% for VUSE.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 40 holdings in HGLB and 123 in VUSE, totalling 51.6% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 93 days apart, HGLB as of Jun 30, 2026 and VUSE as of Oct 1, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in HGLB and 123 in VUSE, against full books of 57 and 248.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HGLB and VUSE you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGLB or VUSE?
HGLB has an expense ratio of 2.67% while VUSE charges 0.50%. VUSE is the cheaper option, by $217 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HGLB or VUSE?
Over the past year HGLB returned -26.42% vs +10.16% for VUSE, so VUSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HGLB annualized -2.54% vs +12.24% for VUSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HGLB or VUSE?
HGLB has been the more volatile fund at 31.5% annualized versus 19.2% for VUSE. Worst drawdown: HGLB -74.1% vs VUSE -42.6%.
Should I hold both HGLB and VUSE?
HGLB and VUSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGLB or VUSE?
HGLB yields 9.50% while VUSE yields 0.33%, so HGLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VUSE better than HGLB?
VUSE has a lower expense ratio. VUSE led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.