NUW vs VTI
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 225 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.32% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.52% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.30% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
NUW vs VTI Performance
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund (NUW) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUW returned +5.52% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, NUW is down 0.32% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, NUW compounded at +4.14% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.30% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.78%. 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 9.7% for NUW. 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 -32.9% for NUW 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUW charges 0.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUW currently yields 3.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUW and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2880 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, NUW or VTI?
NUW has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUW or VTI?
Over the past year NUW returned +5.52% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), NUW annualized +0.78% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.7% for NUW. Worst drawdown: NUW -32.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUW and VTI?
NUW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUW and VTI?
NUW and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUW or VTI?
NUW yields 3.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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