NVG vs VTI
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Credit Income Fund 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 | NVG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.68% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.09% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.81% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.36% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2002 | May 24, 2001 |
NVG vs VTI Performance
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Credit Income Fund (NVG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NVG returned +14.09% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NVG is up 1.68% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NVG compounded at +10.81% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.36% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.56%. 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 12.5% for NVG. 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 -47.8% for NVG 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NVG charges 3.64% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $364 vs $3 annually, a gap of $361 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NVG currently yields 7.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NVG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3141 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, NVG or VTI?
NVG has an expense ratio of 3.64% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $361 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NVG or VTI?
Over the past year NVG returned +14.09% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), NVG annualized +0.56% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NVG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for NVG. Worst drawdown: NVG -47.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NVG and VTI?
NVG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NVG and VTI?
NVG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NVG or VTI?
NVG yields 7.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NVG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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