NPFD vs VTI
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & 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 | NPFD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.03% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.86% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
NPFD vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFD returned +5.86% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, NPFD is up 4.03% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, NPFD compounded at +15.20% per year against +21.17% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +2.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NPFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -39.2% for NPFD 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPFD charges 0.83% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPFD or VTI?
NPFD has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFD or VTI?
Over the past year NPFD returned +5.86% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NPFD annualized +2.40% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFD or VTI?
NPFD has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NPFD -39.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NPFD and VTI?
NPFD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPFD and VTI?
NPFD and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2931 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFD or VTI?
NPFD yields 9.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NPFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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