NUAG vs VTI
NUAG vs VTI
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUAG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $95M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 862 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.36% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.96% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.50% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.21% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
NUAG vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUAG returned +2.96% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, NUAG is down 0.36% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, NUAG compounded at +4.50% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.21% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUAG charges 0.16% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $3 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUAG currently yields 4.47% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUAG and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3568 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AON | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUAG or VTI?
NUAG has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUAG or VTI?
Over the past year NUAG returned +2.96% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUAG annualized +0.08% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUAG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.5% for NUAG. Worst drawdown: NUAG -20.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUAG and VTI?
NUAG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUAG and VTI?
NUAG and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3568 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUAG or VTI?
NUAG yields 4.47% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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