IVV vs NUSC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NUSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.31% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.92% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 439 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +15.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.14% | +22.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +13.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.00% | +5.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -41.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nuveen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 13, 2016 |
IVV vs NUSC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% while NUSC returned +22.14%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.76% versus a gain of 15.47% for NUSC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.69% per year against +13.88% for NUSC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.00% and +5.79% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +9.94% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -41.5% for NUSC. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NUSC charges 0.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $31 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.92% for NUSC.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NUSC share 13 holdings out of 891 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NUSC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NUSC charges 0.31%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NUSC?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% vs +22.14% for NUSC, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +6.99% vs +9.94% for NUSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NUSC?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NUSC -41.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and NUSC?
IVV and NUSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NUSC?
IVV and NUSC share 13 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NUSC?
IVV yields 1.10% while NUSC yields 0.92%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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