NPFD vs VOO
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NPFD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.84% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.91% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.73% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.93% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NPFD vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFD returned +4.73% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, NPFD is up 2.91% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, NPFD compounded at +14.93% per year against +21.78% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +2.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NPFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -39.2% for NPFD and -34.3% for VOO. 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
NPFD charges 0.83% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $3 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPFD currently yields 9.84% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPFD or VOO?
NPFD has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFD or VOO?
Over the past year NPFD returned +4.73% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NPFD annualized +2.17% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFD or VOO?
NPFD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NPFD -39.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NPFD and VOO?
NPFD and VOO 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 NPFD and VOO?
NPFD and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFD or VOO?
NPFD yields 9.84% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NPFD 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.