NUMG vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUMG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $343M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.44% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.56% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.11% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.50% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUMG vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUMG returned +1.56% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, NUMG is up 1.44% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, NUMG compounded at +7.11% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.50% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUMG has the edge at +9.54% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 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 -39.0% for NUMG 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUMG charges 0.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $4 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUMG currently yields 0.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUMG or VYM?
NUMG has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUMG or VYM?
Over the past year NUMG returned +1.56% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUMG annualized +9.54% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUMG or VYM?
NUMG has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUMG -39.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUMG and VYM?
NUMG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUMG and VYM?
NUMG and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUMG or VYM?
NUMG yields 0.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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