NIM vs VOO
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. NIM offers more diversification with 537 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 537 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.16% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.88% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.15% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.14% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 1992 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NIM vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIM returned +4.88% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, NIM is up 2.16% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, NIM compounded at +5.15% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.14% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs -0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 8.8% for NIM. 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 -30.4% for NIM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIM charges 0.56% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIM currently yields 3.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIM or VOO?
NIM has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIM or VOO?
Over the past year NIM returned +4.88% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NIM annualized -0.10% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIM or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.8% for NIM. Worst drawdown: NIM -30.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NIM and VOO?
NIM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIM or VOO?
NIM yields 3.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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