JFR vs VTI
Nuveen Floating Rate Income 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 | JFR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 450 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.76% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.00% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
JFR vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund (JFR) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JFR returned +3.40% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, JFR is up 6.76% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, JFR compounded at +11.12% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.00% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 15.4% for JFR. 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 -69.0% for JFR 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JFR charges 5.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $552 vs $3 annually, a gap of $549 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JFR currently yields 11.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JFR and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3050 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, JFR or VTI?
JFR has an expense ratio of 5.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $549 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JFR or VTI?
Over the past year JFR returned +3.40% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), JFR annualized -0.37% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JFR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.4% for JFR. Worst drawdown: JFR -69.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JFR and VTI?
JFR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JFR and VTI?
JFR and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3050 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JFR or VTI?
JFR yields 11.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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