NMI vs SAWS

Quick Verdict

SAWS has a lower expense ratio. SAWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. NMI offers more diversification with 95 holdings.

Lower Fees: SAWSHigher Returns: SAWSMore Diversified: NMI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNMISAWSWinner
Expense Ratio0.73%0.55%
AUM-$8M
Dividend Yield4.57%0.02%
Holdings22072
YTD Return+10.41%+15.23%
1Y Return+14.14%+22.18%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.57%-
5Y Return (annualized)+1.91%-
Volatility (annualized)11.0%18.4%
Max Drawdown-34.4%-22.0%
Fund FamilyNuveenAdvisors Asset Management, Inc.
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionApr 20, 1988Jul 30, 2024

NMI vs SAWS Performance

Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Inc. (NMI) is a ETF from Nuveen and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year NMI returned +14.14% while SAWS returned +22.18%. Year to date, NMI is up 10.41% versus a gain of 15.23% for SAWS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SAWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 11.0% for NMI. 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 -34.4% for NMI and -22.0% for SAWS. 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

NMI charges 0.73% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $55 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMI currently yields 4.57% against 0.02% for SAWS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

NMI and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 166 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, NMI or SAWS?

NMI has an expense ratio of 0.73% while SAWS charges 0.55%. SAWS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.

Which performed better, NMI or SAWS?

Over the past year NMI returned +14.14% vs +22.18% for SAWS, so SAWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NMI annualized +0.36% vs +13.04% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NMI or SAWS?

SAWS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 11.0% for NMI. Worst drawdown: NMI -34.4% vs SAWS -22.0%.

Should I hold both NMI and SAWS?

NMI and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NMI and SAWS?

NMI and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 166 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, NMI or SAWS?

NMI yields 4.57% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so NMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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