NUGO vs VTI
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.60% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.57% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.98% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
NUGO vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGO returned +16.57% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NUGO is up 8.60% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +23.98% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.63% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +12.63% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.92. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or VTI?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or VTI?
Over the past year NUGO returned +16.57% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +12.63% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or VTI?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUGO and VTI?
NUGO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VTI?
NUGO and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 40.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or VTI?
NUGO yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.