IVV vs NUSA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond 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 | NUSA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.14% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $35M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 3.90% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 333 | |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +0.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +2.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +4.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.84% | +1.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nuveen | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 31, 2017 |
IVV vs NUSA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) is a ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year IVV returned +20.24% while NUSA returned +2.54%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 0.87% for NUSA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.78% per year against +4.50% for NUSA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.84% and +1.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.5% for NUSA. 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 -9.9% for NUSA. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NUSA charges 0.14%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $14 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 3.90% for NUSA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NUSA share 0 holdings out of 746 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NUSA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NUSA charges 0.14%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NUSA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.24% vs +2.54% for NUSA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +1.00% for NUSA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NUSA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for NUSA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NUSA -9.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and NUSA?
IVV and NUSA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NUSA?
IVV and NUSA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 746 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NUSA?
IVV yields 1.10% while NUSA yields 3.90%, so NUSA 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.