NULV vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. NULV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.70% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.20% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.30% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.47% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NULV vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULV returned +30.20% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, NULV is up 18.70% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, NULV compounded at +17.30% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.47% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULV has the edge at +10.59% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.98. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $4 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULV currently yields 1.47% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NULV and VYM share 53 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULV or VYM?
NULV has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULV or VYM?
Over the past year NULV returned +30.20% vs +26.05% for VYM, so NULV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULV annualized +10.59% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULV or VYM?
NULV has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NULV -37.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NULV and VYM?
NULV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VYM?
NULV and VYM share 53 common holdings with a 25.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULV or VYM?
NULV yields 1.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.