NCPB vs SPY
NCPB vs SPY
Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF 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 | NCPB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $55M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 476 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.11% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.78% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NCPB vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) 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 NCPB returned +3.78% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, NCPB is down 0.11% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.4% for NCPB. 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 -2.9% for NCPB 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NCPB charges 0.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $9 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCPB currently yields 5.17% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NCPB and SPY share 3 holdings out of 866 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NCPB or SPY?
NCPB has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NCPB or SPY?
Over the past year NCPB returned +3.78% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NCPB annualized +6.05% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCPB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.4% for NCPB. Worst drawdown: NCPB -2.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NCPB and SPY?
NCPB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCPB and SPY?
NCPB and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCPB or SPY?
NCPB yields 5.17% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NCPB 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.