NMAI vs VTI
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NMAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMAI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.87% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,312 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.84% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
NMAI vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund (NMAI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMAI returned +27.27% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, NMAI is up 18.84% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, NMAI compounded at +20.92% per year against +21.85% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs +6.85%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMAI charges 1.87% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $187 vs $3 annually, a gap of $184 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMAI currently yields 9.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NMAI and VTI share 280 holdings out of 3171 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NMAI or VTI?
NMAI has an expense ratio of 1.87% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $184 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMAI or VTI?
Over the past year NMAI returned +27.27% vs +21.12% for VTI, so NMAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NMAI annualized +6.85% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMAI or VTI?
NMAI has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NMAI -35.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NMAI and VTI?
NMAI and VTI 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 VTI?
NMAI and VTI share 280 common holdings with a 28.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3171 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMAI or VTI?
NMAI yields 9.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NMAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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