JCE vs VTI
JCE vs VTI
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JCE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.94% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.38% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
JCE vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, JCE is up 12.59% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +19.38% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -64.9% for JCE and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and VTI share 103 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JCE | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.48% | 6.32% | 2.16% |
| AAPL | 7.13% | 5.84% | 1.29% |
| MSFT | 5.96% | 3.81% | 2.15% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JCE shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JCE or VTI?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or VTI?
Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), JCE annualized +2.22% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or VTI?
JCE has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JCE and VTI?
JCE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and VTI?
JCE and VTI share 103 common holdings with a 46.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or VTI?
JCE yields 7.72% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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