JLS vs VTI
Nuveen Mortgage and 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 | JLS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.35% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.19% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.07% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
JLS vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JLS returned +1.19% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.35% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +12.07% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.62% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or VTI?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or VTI?
Over the past year JLS returned +1.19% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), JLS annualized +0.56% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JLS and VTI?
JLS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or VTI?
JLS yields 9.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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