NUMI vs VYM
Nuveen Municipal Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUMI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $85M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 275 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUMI vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Municipal Income ETF (NUMI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUMI returned +5.72% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, NUMI is up 0.28% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUMI charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUMI currently yields 3.68% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUMI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 715 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 VYM?
NUMI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUMI or VYM?
Over the past year NUMI returned +5.72% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NUMI annualized +2.71% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUMI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.5% for NUMI. Worst drawdown: NUMI -4.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUMI and VYM?
NUMI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUMI and VYM?
NUMI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUMI or VYM?
NUMI yields 3.68% while VYM yields 2.24%, so NUMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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