NXUS vs. NUSB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

NXUS (Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF) and NUSB (Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXUS is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (USD Hedged), while NUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Nuveen. NXUS is passively managed, while NUSB is actively managed. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NXUS charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for NUSB.

Performance

NXUS vs. NUSB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXUS achieves a 0.54% return, which is significantly lower than NUSB's 1.99% return.

NXUS

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.66%
• 6M: 0.08%
• YTD: 0.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.30%
• 6M: 1.83%
• YTD: 1.99%
• 1Y: 4.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NXUS vs. NUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	0.54%	0.45%
NUSB Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF	1.99%	1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between NXUS and NUSB is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.25

Return for Risk

NXUS vs. NUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXUS

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

NUSB

NUSB Risk / Return Rank: 100
NUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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. NUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS) and Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NXUS	NUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	12.89	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	37.48	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	10.81	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	71.19	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	475.21	—

Drawdowns

NXUS vs. NUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXUS drawdown since its inception was -2.81%, which is greater than NUSB's maximum drawdown of -0.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXUS and NUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXUS	NUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.81%	-0.16%	-2.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	0.00%	-1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.90%	-0.00%	-0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NXUS	NUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.23%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	0.33%	+3.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.70%	0.38%	+3.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.70%	0.38%	+3.32%

NXUS vs. NUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXUS has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than NUSB's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. NUSB - Dividend Comparison

NXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.95%, less than NUSB's 4.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
NUSB Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF	4.29%	4.51%	3.61%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.95%	0.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXUS and NUSB in my portfolio?

NXUS and NUSB have a correlation of 0.25, 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 NUSB?

On fees, NXUS is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXUS or NUSB?

NXUS is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for NUSB.

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

NUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.29%, compared with 1.95% for NXUS.

What is the main difference between NXUS and NUSB?

NXUS is categorized as Global Bonds, while NUSB is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for NXUS and 0.17% for NUSB.