NUDV vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $50M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.09% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.90% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUDV vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUDV returned +21.90% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, NUDV is up 14.09% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, NUDV compounded at +15.26% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUDV has the edge at +10.14% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -20.1% for NUDV and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUDV charges 0.26% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $4 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUDV currently yields 2.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUDV and VYM share 63 holdings out of 580 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUDV or VYM?
NUDV has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUDV or VYM?
Over the past year NUDV returned +21.90% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUDV annualized +10.14% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUDV or VYM?
NUDV has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUDV -20.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUDV and VYM?
NUDV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NUDV and VYM?
NUDV and VYM share 63 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUDV or VYM?
NUDV yields 2.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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