NULG vs VTI
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth 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 | NULG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.93% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.16% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.47% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.08% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
NULG vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULG returned +19.16% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NULG is up 16.93% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, NULG compounded at +23.47% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.08% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULG has the edge at +18.67% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 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 -36.2% for NULG 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 0.94. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NULG and VTI share 66 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULG or VTI?
NULG has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULG or VTI?
Over the past year NULG returned +19.16% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULG annualized +18.67% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULG or VTI?
NULG has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NULG -36.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NULG and VTI?
NULG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VTI?
NULG and VTI share 66 common holdings with a 20.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULG or VTI?
NULG yields 0.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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