NCLO vs VTI
Nuveen AA-BBB CLO ETF 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 | NCLO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $154M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.43% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.64% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
NCLO vs VTI Performance
Nuveen AA-BBB CLO ETF (NCLO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NCLO returned +5.64% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NCLO is up 3.43% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.1% for NCLO. 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 -3.1% for NCLO 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NCLO charges 0.26% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCLO currently yields 5.78% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NCLO and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, NCLO or VTI?
NCLO has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NCLO or VTI?
Over the past year NCLO returned +5.64% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NCLO annualized +5.55% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCLO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.1% for NCLO. Worst drawdown: NCLO -3.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NCLO and VTI?
NCLO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCLO and VTI?
NCLO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCLO or VTI?
NCLO yields 5.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NCLO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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