NUEM vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. NUEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $367M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.53% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.05% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.00% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUEM vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUEM returned +27.05% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, NUEM is up 14.53% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +18.00% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.02% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, NUEM has the edge at +7.79% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 14.6% 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 -39.5% for NUEM 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $4 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUEM currently yields 3.07% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 724 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 VYM?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or VYM?
Over the past year NUEM returned +27.05% vs +26.12% for VYM, so NUEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.79% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or VYM?
NUEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUEM and VYM?
NUEM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and VYM?
NUEM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 724 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or VYM?
NUEM yields 3.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NUEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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