NUSC vs VOO
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.63% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.61% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.73% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NUSC vs VOO Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +30.61% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, NUSC is up 16.63% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.44% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.73% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +10.10%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $3 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and VOO share 16 holdings out of 922 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 VOO?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSC or VOO?
Over the past year NUSC returned +30.61% vs +22.62% for VOO, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.10% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or VOO?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NUSC and VOO?
NUSC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and VOO?
NUSC and VOO share 16 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 922 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or VOO?
NUSC yields 0.90% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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