NMT vs VTI
Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 114 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.08% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.70% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.92% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.33% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 18, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
NMT vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund (NMT) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMT returned +18.70% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, NMT is up 16.08% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, NMT compounded at +13.92% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.33% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.59%. 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 11.7% for NMT. 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 -49.6% for NMT 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMT charges 3.90% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $390 vs $3 annually, a gap of $387 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMT currently yields 6.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NMT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2811 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, NMT or VTI?
NMT has an expense ratio of 3.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $387 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMT or VTI?
Over the past year NMT returned +18.70% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), NMT annualized +0.59% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.7% for NMT. Worst drawdown: NMT -49.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NMT and VTI?
NMT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMT and VTI?
NMT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMT or VTI?
NMT yields 6.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.