NDVG vs SPY
Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NDVG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -5.29% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.39% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NDVG vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) is a ETF from Nuveen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, NDVG is down 5.29% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, NDVG compounded at +11.65% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.1% for NDVG. 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 -19.7% for NDVG and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NDVG charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NDVG currently yields 1.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NDVG and SPY share 36 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NDVG or SPY?
NDVG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NDVG or SPY?
Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NDVG annualized +7.83% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NDVG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.1% for NDVG. Worst drawdown: NDVG -19.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NDVG and SPY?
NDVG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NDVG and SPY?
NDVG and SPY share 36 common holdings with a 24.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NDVG or SPY?
NDVG yields 1.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NDVG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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