NUSC vs VTI
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 439 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.69% | +13.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.59% | +20.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.94% | +21.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.35% | +11.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
NUSC vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +21.59% while VTI returned +20.74%. Year to date, NUSC is up 15.69% versus a gain of 13.86% for VTI.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.94% per year against +21.66% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.35% and +11.90% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +9.96% annualized vs +8.11%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while VTI 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 0.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and VTI share 304 holdings out of 2882 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUSC or VTI?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSC or VTI?
Over the past year NUSC returned +21.59% vs +20.74% for VTI, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +9.96% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or VTI?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUSC and VTI?
NUSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and VTI?
NUSC and VTI share 304 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2882 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or VTI?
NUSC yields 0.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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