NUAG vs SPY
NUAG vs SPY
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate 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. NUAG offers more diversification with 786 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUAG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $95M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 862 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.30% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.10% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.63% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.06% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUAG vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) 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 NUAG returned +2.10% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, NUAG is down 0.30% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, NUAG compounded at +4.63% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.06% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +0.08%. 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 5.5% for NUAG. 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 -20.8% for NUAG 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUAG charges 0.16% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $9 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUAG currently yields 4.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUAG and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1288 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUAG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AON | 0.09% | 0.12% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUAG or SPY?
NUAG has an expense ratio of 0.16% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUAG or SPY?
Over the past year NUAG returned +2.10% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUAG annualized +0.08% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUAG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for NUAG. Worst drawdown: NUAG -20.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUAG and SPY?
NUAG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUAG and SPY?
NUAG and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUAG or SPY?
NUAG yields 4.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NUAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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