NPFI vs VOO
Nuveen Preferred and Income ETF 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 | NPFI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $171M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.38% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 154 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.63% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.03% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NPFI vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Preferred and Income ETF (NPFI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFI returned +5.03% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, NPFI is up 1.63% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 3.3% for NPFI. 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 -3.2% for NPFI 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPFI charges 0.56% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPFI currently yields 6.38% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPFI or VOO?
NPFI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFI or VOO?
Over the past year NPFI returned +5.03% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NPFI annualized +7.48% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.3% for NPFI. Worst drawdown: NPFI -3.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NPFI and VOO?
NPFI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPFI and VOO?
NPFI and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFI or VOO?
NPFI yields 6.38% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NPFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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