NMAI vs SPY
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NMAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. NMAI offers more diversification with 1,312 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMAI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.87% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,312 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.85% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.85% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.20% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NMAI vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund (NMAI) 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 NMAI returned +25.85% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NMAI is up 16.85% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, NMAI compounded at +20.20% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +6.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NMAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -35.6% for NMAI 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMAI charges 1.87% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $187 vs $9 annually, a gap of $178 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMAI currently yields 9.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NMAI and SPY share 182 holdings out of 986 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NMAI or SPY?
NMAI has an expense ratio of 1.87% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $178 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMAI or SPY?
Over the past year NMAI returned +25.85% vs +20.83% for SPY, so NMAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NMAI annualized +6.46% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMAI or SPY?
NMAI has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NMAI -35.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NMAI and SPY?
NMAI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMAI and SPY?
NMAI and SPY share 182 common holdings with a 28.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 986 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMAI or SPY?
NMAI yields 9.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NMAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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