NUEM vs VTI
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NUEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $367M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.60% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.29% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.47% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
NUEM vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUEM returned +26.29% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, NUEM is up 13.60% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +18.47% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.75% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.68%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2949 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 VTI?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or VTI?
Over the past year NUEM returned +26.29% vs +23.31% for VTI, so NUEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.68% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or VTI?
NUEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUEM and VTI?
NUEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and VTI?
NUEM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2949 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or VTI?
NUEM yields 3.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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