NULV vs SPY
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NULV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.03% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.67% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.38% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.51% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NULV vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) 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 NULV returned +27.67% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, NULV is up 19.03% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, NULV compounded at +17.38% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.51% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULV has the edge at +10.62% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NULV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -37.0% for NULV 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NULV 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, NULV currently yields 1.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NULV and SPY share 94 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULV or SPY?
NULV 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, NULV or SPY?
Over the past year NULV returned +27.67% vs +21.96% for SPY, so NULV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULV annualized +10.62% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULV or SPY?
NULV has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NULV -37.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NULV and SPY?
NULV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 NULV and SPY?
NULV and SPY share 94 common holdings with a 19.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULV or SPY?
NULV yields 1.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NULV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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