NIM vs VTI
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund 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 | NIM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 537 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.01% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.38% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.16% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 1992 | May 24, 2001 |
NIM vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIM returned +5.38% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NIM is up 2.01% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NIM compounded at +5.29% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.16% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -0.11%. 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 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 -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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIM charges 0.56% per year while VTI 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 3.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIM or VTI?
NIM has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIM or VTI?
Over the past year NIM returned +5.38% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), NIM annualized -0.11% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.8% for NIM. Worst drawdown: NIM -30.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NIM and VTI?
NIM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIM or VTI?
NIM yields 3.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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