IVV vs NUGO
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Nuveen Growth Opportunities 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 | NUGO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 46 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +8.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +16.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +23.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -38.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nuveen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 27, 2021 |
IVV vs NUGO Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while NUGO returned +16.38%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 8.14% for NUGO.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +23.73% for NUGO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +12.54% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -38.0% for NUGO. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NUGO charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for NUGO.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NUGO share 40 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NUGO?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NUGO charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NUGO?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +16.38% for NUGO, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +12.54% for NUGO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NUGO?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NUGO -38.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and NUGO?
IVV and NUGO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NUGO?
IVV and NUGO share 40 common holdings with a 44.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NUGO?
IVV yields 1.10% while NUGO yields 0.00%, 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.