NPCT vs SPY
Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NPCT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.13% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.98% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.07% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 27, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NPCT vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT) 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 NPCT returned +0.99% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, NPCT is up 3.13% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, NPCT compounded at +11.98% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -3.07% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -3.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NPCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -46.8% for NPCT 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPCT charges 1.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $9 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPCT currently yields 11.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NPCT and SPY share 1 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NPCT | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM:US | 0.64% | 1.40% | 0.76% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPCT or SPY?
NPCT has an expense ratio of 1.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPCT or SPY?
Over the past year NPCT returned +0.99% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NPCT annualized -3.02% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPCT or SPY?
NPCT has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NPCT -46.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NPCT and SPY?
NPCT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPCT and SPY?
NPCT and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPCT or SPY?
NPCT yields 11.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NPCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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