NUSA vs VTI
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond 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 | NUSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $35M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 333 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.98% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.65% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.58% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
NUSA vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSA returned +2.65% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, NUSA is up 0.98% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, NUSA compounded at +4.51% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.58% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.5% for NUSA. 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 -9.9% for NUSA 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSA charges 0.14% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $3 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSA currently yields 3.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUSA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3028 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, NUSA or VTI?
NUSA has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSA or VTI?
Over the past year NUSA returned +2.65% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUSA annualized +1.01% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.5% for NUSA. Worst drawdown: NUSA -9.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUSA and VTI?
NUSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSA and VTI?
NUSA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3028 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSA or VTI?
NUSA yields 3.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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