NULV vs VTI
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NULV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.80% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.22% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.54% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
NULV vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULV returned +25.22% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NULV is up 16.80% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NULV compounded at +17.54% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULV has the edge at +10.38% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 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 -37.0% for NULV 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 0.91. 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 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, NULV currently yields 1.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NULV and VTI share 97 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULV or VTI?
NULV 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, NULV or VTI?
Over the past year NULV returned +25.22% vs +21.39% for VTI, so NULV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULV annualized +10.38% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULV or VTI?
NULV has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NULV -37.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NULV and VTI?
NULV and VTI 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 VTI?
NULV and VTI share 97 common holdings with a 17.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULV or VTI?
NULV yields 1.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NULV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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