NUV vs SPY
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.97% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.26% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.22% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 1987 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUV vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. (NUV) 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 NUV returned +8.97% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, NUV is up 1.96% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, NUV compounded at +6.26% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.22% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +0.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.3% for NUV. 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 -28.3% for NUV 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUV charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUV currently yields 4.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 719 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, NUV or SPY?
NUV has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUV or SPY?
Over the past year NUV returned +8.97% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), NUV annualized +0.38% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.3% for NUV. Worst drawdown: NUV -28.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUV and SPY?
NUV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUV and SPY?
NUV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 719 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUV or SPY?
NUV yields 4.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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