VEA vs. NIXT
VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and NIXT (Research Affiliates Deletions ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while NIXT is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Research Affiliates Deletions Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VEA returned 25.76% vs 32.03% for NIXT. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for NIXT.
Performance
VEA vs. NIXT - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VEA achieves a 11.59% return, which is significantly lower than NIXT's 25.89% return.
VEA
- 1D
- -0.67%
- 1M
- -4.26%
- 6M
- 7.02%
- YTD
- 11.59%
- 1Y
- 25.76%
- 3Y*
- 17.14%
- 5Y*
- 9.55%
- 10Y*
- 9.92%
- ALL TIME*
- 5.03%
NIXT
- 1D
- -0.76%
- 1M
- 6.45%
- 6M
- 20.40%
- YTD
- 25.89%
- 1Y
- 32.03%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 19.03%
VEA vs. NIXT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 11.59% | 35.16% | -4.40% |
NIXT Research Affiliates Deletions ETF | 25.89% | 4.94% | 4.60% |
Correlation
The correlation between VEA and NIXT is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.58 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024 | 0.61 |
The correlation between VEA and NIXT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VEA vs. NIXT — Risk / Return Rank
VEA
NIXT
VEA vs. NIXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and Research Affiliates Deletions ETF (NIXT). 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.
| VEA | NIXT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.14 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.28 | 1.26 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.23 | 2.75 | -0.52 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.35 | 9.32 | -0.96 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VEA vs. NIXT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, which is greater than NIXT's maximum drawdown of -27.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and NIXT.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VEA | NIXT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -60.68% | -27.75% | -32.93% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.63% | -11.71% | +0.08% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.45% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.71% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -35.73% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.37% | -1.29% | -3.08% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -13.22% | -5.64% | -7.58% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.09% | 3.45% | -0.36% |
Volatility
VEA vs. NIXT - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and Research Affiliates Deletions ETF (NIXT) have volatilities of 5.31% and 5.19%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VEA | NIXT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.31% | 5.19% | +0.12% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.14% | 14.63% | +0.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.09% | 21.09% | -4.00% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.78% | 23.02% | -6.24% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.18% | 23.02% | -5.84% |
VEA vs. NIXT - Expense Ratio Comparison
VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than NIXT's 0.09% 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
VEA vs. NIXT - Dividend Comparison
VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more than NIXT's 1.30% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NIXT Research Affiliates Deletions ETF | 1.30% | 1.64% | 1.39% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 2.62% | 3.22% | 3.35% | 3.15% | 2.91% | 3.16% | 2.04% | 3.04% | 3.35% | 2.77% | 3.05% | 2.92% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VEA and NIXT have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VEA has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to NIXT (5.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs NIXT's -27.75%.
On 1-year performance, NIXT leads with 32.03% vs 25.76% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, NIXT has been the lower-risk option at 5.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, NIXT has performed better with a 32.03% return vs 25.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for NIXT.
VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.30% for NIXT.
VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while NIXT is Mid Cap Value Equities. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while NIXT tracks Research Affiliates Deletions Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Research Affiliates. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.09% for NIXT.
NIXT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.52), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for VEA and NIXT
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer