NULG vs VOO
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth 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 | NULG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.45% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.30% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.23% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NULG vs VOO Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULG returned +18.30% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, NULG is up 16.45% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, NULG compounded at +23.23% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULG has the edge at +18.62% annualized vs +13.45%. 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 14.1% 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 -36.2% for NULG 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
NULG charges 0.26% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULG currently yields 0.10% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NULG and VOO share 56 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULG or VOO?
NULG has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULG or VOO?
Over the past year NULG returned +18.30% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULG annualized +18.62% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULG or VOO?
NULG has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NULG -36.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NULG and VOO?
NULG 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 NULG and VOO?
NULG and VOO share 56 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULG or VOO?
NULG yields 0.10% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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