NXUS vs. BNDW

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

NXUS (Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF) and BNDW (Vanguard Total World Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds - NXUS tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (USD Hedged) while BNDW tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NXUS charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BNDW.

Performance

NXUS vs. BNDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS) and Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXUS achieves a 0.48% return, which is significantly higher than BNDW's 0.24% return.

NXUS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BNDW

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.29%
• 1Y: 3.49%
• 3Y*: 3.93%
• 5Y*: 0.19%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NXUS vs. BNDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	0.48%	0.61%
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	0.24%	0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between NXUS and BNDW is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

NXUS vs. BNDW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BNDW

BNDW Risk / Return Rank: 26
BNDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BNDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
BNDW Omega Ratio Rank: 25
BNDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
BNDW Martin Ratio Rank: 25

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NXUS vs. BNDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS) and Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NXUS	BNDW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.37	+0.06

Drawdowns

NXUS vs. BNDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXUS drawdown since its inception was -2.81%, smaller than the maximum BNDW drawdown of -17.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXUS and BNDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXUS	BNDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.81%	-17.22%	+14.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.70%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.27%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-1.71%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-4.97%	+4.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.96%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NXUS	BNDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.73%	3.36%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.73%	5.21%	-1.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.73%	4.90%	-1.17%

NXUS vs. BNDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXUS has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDW's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NXUS vs. BNDW - Dividend Comparison

NXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, less than BNDW's 4.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	4.22%	4.12%	3.90%	3.73%	2.02%	2.58%	1.56%	3.05%	1.66%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.67%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXUS and BNDW in my portfolio?

NXUS and BNDW have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NXUS or BNDW?

On fees, BNDW is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXUS or BNDW?

BNDW is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for NXUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NXUS or BNDW?

BNDW has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 1.67% for NXUS.

What is the main difference between NXUS and BNDW?

NXUS tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (USD Hedged), while BNDW tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for NXUS and 0.05% for BNDW.