NUMI vs VTI
Nuveen Municipal Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUMI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $85M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 275 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
NUMI vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Municipal Income ETF (NUMI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUMI returned +5.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NUMI is up 0.28% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for NUMI. 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 -4.7% for NUMI 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUMI charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUMI currently yields 3.68% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUMI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUMI or VTI?
NUMI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUMI or VTI?
Over the past year NUMI returned +5.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NUMI annualized +2.71% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUMI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for NUMI. Worst drawdown: NUMI -4.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUMI and VTI?
NUMI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUMI and VTI?
NUMI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUMI or VTI?
NUMI yields 3.68% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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