NHYM vs VTI
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Income 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 | NHYM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $137M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.66% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.80% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
NHYM vs VTI Performance
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Income ETF (NHYM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NHYM returned +8.80% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NHYM is up 1.66% 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 5.5% for NHYM. 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 -6.1% for NHYM 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NHYM charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NHYM currently yields 4.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NHYM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2892 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, NHYM or VTI?
NHYM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NHYM or VTI?
Over the past year NHYM returned +8.80% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NHYM annualized +3.29% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NHYM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for NHYM. Worst drawdown: NHYM -6.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NHYM and VTI?
NHYM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NHYM and VTI?
NHYM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NHYM or VTI?
NHYM yields 4.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NHYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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