NUGO vs VOO
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.44% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.81% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NUGO vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGO returned +17.44% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, NUGO is up 12.22% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +24.81% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +13.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.93. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and VOO share 42 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or VOO?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or VOO?
Over the past year NUGO returned +17.44% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +13.45% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or VOO?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NUGO and VOO?
NUGO and VOO 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 VOO?
NUGO and VOO share 42 common holdings with a 45.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or VOO?
NUGO yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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