NUGO vs SPY
Nuveen Growth Opportunities 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 | NUGO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.14% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.38% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.73% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUGO vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) 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 NUGO returned +16.38% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NUGO is up 8.14% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +23.73% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.54% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +12.54% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGO charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and SPY share 42 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or SPY?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or SPY?
Over the past year NUGO returned +16.38% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +12.54% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or SPY?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUGO and SPY?
NUGO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 NUGO and SPY?
NUGO and SPY share 42 common holdings with a 45.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or SPY?
NUGO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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