NULG vs SPY
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth 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 | NULG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.93% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.16% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.47% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.08% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NULG vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) 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 NULG returned +19.16% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NULG is up 16.93% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, NULG compounded at +23.47% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.08% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULG has the edge at +18.67% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NULG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -36.2% for NULG 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
NULG charges 0.26% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $9 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULG currently yields 0.10% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NULG and SPY share 55 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULG or SPY?
NULG has an expense ratio of 0.26% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULG or SPY?
Over the past year NULG returned +19.16% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULG annualized +18.67% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULG or SPY?
NULG has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NULG -36.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NULG and SPY?
NULG 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 NULG and SPY?
NULG and SPY share 55 common holdings with a 22.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULG or SPY?
NULG yields 0.10% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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