NUSC vs SPY
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.63% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.61% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.73% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUSC vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) 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 NUSC returned +30.61% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, NUSC is up 16.63% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.44% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.73% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +10.10% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -41.5% for NUSC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC 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, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and SPY share 15 holdings out of 921 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUSC or SPY?
NUSC 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, NUSC or SPY?
Over the past year NUSC returned +30.61% vs +22.52% for SPY, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.10% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or SPY?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUSC and SPY?
NUSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and SPY?
NUSC and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 921 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or SPY?
NUSC yields 0.90% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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