NDVG vs VTI
Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF 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 | NDVG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -5.29% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.39% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
NDVG vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, NDVG is down 5.29% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, NDVG compounded at +11.65% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.83%. 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 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 -56.6% 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NDVG charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NDVG currently yields 1.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NDVG and VTI share 37 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NDVG or VTI?
NDVG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NDVG or VTI?
Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NDVG annualized +7.83% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NDVG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.1% for NDVG. Worst drawdown: NDVG -19.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NDVG and VTI?
NDVG and VTI 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 VTI?
NDVG and VTI share 37 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NDVG or VTI?
NDVG yields 1.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NDVG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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