NCA vs VTI
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NCA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.72% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.21% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.51% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.33% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 7, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
NCA vs VTI Performance
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund Inc. (NCA) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NCA returned +10.21% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, NCA is up 3.72% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, NCA compounded at +6.51% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.33% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.25%. 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 10.0% for NCA. 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 -32.5% for NCA 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
NCA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2856 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, NCA or VTI?
Over the past year NCA returned +10.21% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), NCA annualized +0.25% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.0% for NCA. Worst drawdown: NCA -32.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NCA and VTI?
NCA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCA and VTI?
NCA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2856 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCA or VTI?
NCA yields 3.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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