NSCR vs SPY
Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSCR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -17.77% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.55% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NSCR vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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 NSCR returned +10.55% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NSCR is down 17.77% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for NSCR. 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 -20.8% for NSCR 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSCR charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCR currently yields 2.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NSCR and SPY share 52 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSCR or SPY?
NSCR has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSCR or SPY?
Over the past year NSCR returned +10.55% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NSCR annualized +3.19% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSCR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for NSCR. Worst drawdown: NSCR -20.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NSCR and SPY?
NSCR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSCR and SPY?
NSCR and SPY share 52 common holdings with a 45.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCR or SPY?
NSCR yields 2.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NSCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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