VUSE vs. NIXT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUSE (Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF) and NIXT (Research Affiliates Deletions ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - VUSE tracks the Vident U.S. Quality Index while NIXT tracks the Research Affiliates Deletions Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VUSE returned 18.48% vs 33.50% for NIXT. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for NIXT.

Performance

VUSE vs. NIXT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) and Research Affiliates Deletions ETF (NIXT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSE achieves a 9.45% return, which is significantly lower than NIXT's 18.29% return.

VUSE

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 5.30%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: 9.20%
• 1Y: 18.48%
• 3Y*: 17.51%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

NIXT

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 18.29%
• 6M: 17.24%
• 1Y: 33.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUSE vs. NIXT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	9.45%	13.18%	8.57%
NIXT Research Affiliates Deletions ETF	18.29%	4.94%	4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSE and NIXT is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2024	0.77

The correlation between VUSE and NIXT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VUSE vs. NIXT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSE

VUSE Risk / Return Rank: 42
VUSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VUSE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VUSE Martin Ratio Rank: 45

NIXT

NIXT Risk / Return Rank: 50
NIXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
NIXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NIXT Omega Ratio Rank: 41
NIXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NIXT Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

VUSE vs. NIXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) 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.

	VUSE	NIXT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.59	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.34	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	2.87	-0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.45	9.69	-2.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VUSE vs. NIXT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the NIXT Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSE and NIXT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSE	NIXT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.47	1.59	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.71	-0.17

Drawdowns

VUSE vs. NIXT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSE drawdown since its inception was -43.92%, which is greater than NIXT's maximum drawdown of -27.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSE and NIXT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSE	NIXT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.92%	-27.75%	-16.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-11.71%	+2.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-2.37%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.62%	-5.96%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.48%	3.47%	-0.99%

Volatility

VUSE vs. NIXT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is 2.99%, while Research Affiliates Deletions ETF (NIXT) has a volatility of 5.00%. This indicates that VUSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NIXT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSE	NIXT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	5.00%	-2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.49%	14.08%	-4.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.64%	21.24%	-8.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.46%	23.31%	-5.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.21%	23.31%	-3.10%

VUSE vs. NIXT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than NIXT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSE vs. NIXT - Dividend Comparison

VUSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than NIXT's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NIXT Research Affiliates Deletions ETF	1.35%	1.64%	1.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	0.44%	0.47%	0.84%	1.15%	1.57%	1.16%	1.33%	1.61%	1.55%	1.16%	1.25%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSE and NIXT in my portfolio?

VUSE and NIXT have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUSE or NIXT?

NIXT has higher volatility (5.00%) compared to VUSE (2.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSE dropped -43.92% vs NIXT's -27.75%.

Which ETF is better, VUSE or NIXT?

On 1-year performance, NIXT leads with 33.50% vs 18.48% for VUSE. On fees, NIXT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VUSE has been the lower-risk option at 2.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUSE or NIXT?

Over the 1-year period, NIXT has performed better with a 33.50% return vs 18.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSE or NIXT?

NIXT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for VUSE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSE or NIXT?

NIXT has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.44% for VUSE.

What is the main difference between VUSE and NIXT?

VUSE tracks Vident U.S. Quality Index, while NIXT tracks Research Affiliates Deletions Index. They also come from different issuers: Vident and Research Affiliates. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for VUSE and 0.09% for NIXT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NIXT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.47), 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.