JLS vs VOO
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JLS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.90% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
JLS vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.11% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +11.99% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.8% for JLS. 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 -51.2% for JLS and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $3 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JLS currently yields 9.78% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or VOO?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or VOO?
Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JLS annualized +0.55% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both JLS and VOO?
JLS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or VOO?
JLS yields 9.78% while VOO yields 1.09%, so JLS 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.