NUMG vs SPY
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUMG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $343M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.81% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.81% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.52% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.39% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUMG vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) 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 NUMG returned +3.81% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, NUMG is up 1.81% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, NUMG compounded at +7.52% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.39% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUMG has the edge at +9.57% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUMG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -39.0% for NUMG 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUMG charges 0.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $9 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUMG currently yields 0.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUMG and SPY share 28 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUMG or SPY?
NUMG has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUMG or SPY?
Over the past year NUMG returned +3.81% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUMG annualized +9.57% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUMG or SPY?
NUMG has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NUMG -39.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUMG and SPY?
NUMG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUMG and SPY?
NUMG and SPY share 28 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUMG or SPY?
NUMG yields 0.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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