NUV vs VTI
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. 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 | NUV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.49% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.65% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.15% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
NUV vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. (NUV) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUV returned +8.49% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NUV is up 1.53% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NUV compounded at +6.65% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.15% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.36%. 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 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 -56.6% 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUV charges 0.66% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $3 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUV currently yields 4.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUV and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3003 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 VTI?
NUV has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUV or VTI?
Over the past year NUV returned +8.49% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), NUV annualized +0.36% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.3% for NUV. Worst drawdown: NUV -28.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUV and VTI?
NUV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUV and VTI?
NUV and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUV or VTI?
NUV yields 4.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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