NUSC vs VXUS
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, NUSC or VXUS?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NUSC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
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 | NUSC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.2B | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 406 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +7.45% | +10.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.45% | +17.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.76% | +19.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.86% | +8.55%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,085 | $15,071Best |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 14, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (9.8 years).
NUSC vs VXUS 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 9.8 years both funds cover.
NUSC vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is an ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +10.45% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, NUSC is up 7.45% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.76% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.86% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +9.00% annualized vs +8.07%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -41.5% for NUSC and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $5 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSC currently yields 0.96% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.0% of NUSC's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 91.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
NUSC and VXUS share little of their money.
6 positions in common, counted across the 399 positions we hold weights for in NUSC and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 406 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUSC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGPEastgroup Properties Inc. Real Estate Investment Trust | 0.30% | 0.00% | 0.30% |
| CCCSCcc Intelligent Solutions Hold | 0.28% | 0.01% | 0.27% |
| JHXJames Hardie Industr | 0.20% | 0.04% | 0.16% |
| SCLStepan Co | 0.11% | 0.00% | 0.11% |
| CSRCenterspace | 0.07% | 0.00% | 0.07% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.04% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NUSC and VXUS 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, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $26 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NUSC or VXUS?
Over the past year NUSC returned +10.45% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +9.00% vs +8.07% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NUSC and VXUS?
NUSC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and VXUS?
At least 1.0% of NUSC's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 399 positions we hold weights for in NUSC and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or VXUS?
NUSC yields 0.96% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than NUSC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NUSC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.