IVV vs NSCS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NSCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.86% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $7M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.31% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 82 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | -6.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +4.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +10.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -30.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nuveen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 4, 2021 |
IVV vs NSCS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF (NSCS) is a ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while NSCS returned +4.63%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a loss of 6.06% for NSCS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +10.00% for NSCS. Across the full 4-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -30.6% for NSCS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NSCS charges 0.86%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $86 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.31% for NSCS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NSCS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NSCS charges 0.86%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NSCS?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +4.63% for NSCS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +1.72% for NSCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NSCS?
NSCS has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NSCS -30.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and NSCS?
IVV and NSCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NSCS?
IVV yields 1.10% while NSCS yields 0.31%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.