JCE vs VOO
JCE vs VOO
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JCE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.39% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.92% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.85% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.63% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
JCE vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JCE returned +19.92% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, JCE is up 11.39% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +18.85% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.63% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +2.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -64.9% for JCE and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and VOO share 79 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JCE | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.48% | 7.51% | 0.97% |
| AAPL | 7.13% | 6.59% | 0.54% |
| MSFT | 5.96% | 4.30% | 1.66% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JCE shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JCE or VOO?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or VOO?
Over the past year JCE returned +19.92% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JCE annualized +2.16% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or VOO?
JCE has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both JCE and VOO?
JCE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and VOO?
JCE and VOO share 79 common holdings with a 52.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or VOO?
JCE yields 7.72% while VOO yields 1.09%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.