NUEM vs VOO
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. NUEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $367M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.73% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.44% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.02% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.88% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NUEM vs VOO Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUEM returned +26.44% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, NUEM is up 13.73% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +18.02% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.88% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +7.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -39.5% for NUEM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUEM currently yields 3.07% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 671 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUEM or VOO?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or VOO?
Over the past year NUEM returned +26.44% vs +23.01% for VOO, so NUEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.70% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or VOO?
NUEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NUEM and VOO?
NUEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and VOO?
NUEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 671 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or VOO?
NUEM yields 3.07% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NUEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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