NSCS vs SPY
Nuveen Small Cap Select 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 | NSCS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -6.06% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.63% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NSCS vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF (NSCS) 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 NSCS returned +4.63% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NSCS is down 6.06% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, NSCS compounded at +10.00% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -30.6% for NSCS 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSCS charges 0.86% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $9 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCS currently yields 0.31% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSCS or SPY?
NSCS has an expense ratio of 0.86% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSCS or SPY?
Over the past year NSCS returned +4.63% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), NSCS annualized +1.72% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSCS or SPY?
NSCS has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NSCS -30.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NSCS and SPY?
NSCS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCS or SPY?
NSCS yields 0.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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