NUGO vs VYM
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.69% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.52% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.92% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUGO vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGO returned +16.52% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, NUGO is up 11.69% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +24.92% per year against +19.03% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +13.34% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.6% 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGO charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and VYM share 6 holdings out of 642 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or VYM?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or VYM?
Over the past year NUGO returned +16.52% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +13.34% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or VYM?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUGO and VYM?
NUGO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGO and VYM?
NUGO and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 9.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 642 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or VYM?
NUGO yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM 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.