NPFI vs VTI
Nuveen Preferred and Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NPFI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $174M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.70% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.88% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
NPFI vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Preferred and Income ETF (NPFI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NPFI returned +4.88% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, NPFI is up 1.70% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPFI charges 0.56% per year while VTI 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 6.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPFI or VTI?
NPFI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NPFI or VTI?
Over the past year NPFI returned +4.88% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NPFI annualized +7.48% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NPFI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 3.3% for NPFI. Worst drawdown: NPFI -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NPFI and VTI?
NPFI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NPFI and VTI?
NPFI and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPFI or VTI?
NPFI yields 6.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NPFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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