JQC vs VTI
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JQC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 471 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.61% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.15% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.48% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.99% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
JQC vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, JQC is up 2.61% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, JQC compounded at +10.48% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.99% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -2.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JQC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -81.3% for JQC 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JQC charges 5.48% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $548 vs $3 annually, a gap of $545 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JQC currently yields 11.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JQC or VTI?
JQC has an expense ratio of 5.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $545 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JQC or VTI?
Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), JQC annualized -2.31% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JQC or VTI?
JQC has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JQC -81.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JQC and VTI?
JQC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JQC and VTI?
JQC and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3049 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JQC or VTI?
JQC yields 11.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JQC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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