NXP vs SPY
Nuveen Select Tax Free Income Portfolio 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 | NXP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 433 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.96% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.14% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.97% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.03% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 1992 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NXP vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Select Tax Free Income Portfolio (NXP) 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 NXP returned +6.14% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, NXP is up 3.96% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, NXP compounded at +3.97% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.03% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +0.52%. 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 8.9% for NXP. 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 -30.0% for NXP 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NXP charges 0.24% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $9 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NXP currently yields 4.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NXP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 699 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, NXP or SPY?
NXP has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NXP or SPY?
Over the past year NXP returned +6.14% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), NXP annualized +0.52% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NXP or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.9% for NXP. Worst drawdown: NXP -30.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NXP and SPY?
NXP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NXP and SPY?
NXP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 699 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NXP or SPY?
NXP yields 4.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NXP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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