NUAG vs VYM
NUAG vs VYM
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUAG offers more diversification with 786 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUAG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $95M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 862 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.05% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.38% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.72% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUAG vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUAG returned +2.38% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, NUAG is down 0.05% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, NUAG compounded at +4.72% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +0.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUAG charges 0.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $4 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUAG currently yields 4.47% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUAG or VYM?
NUAG has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUAG or VYM?
Over the past year NUAG returned +2.38% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUAG annualized +0.11% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUAG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.5% for NUAG. Worst drawdown: NUAG -20.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUAG and VYM?
NUAG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUAG and VYM?
NUAG and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1342 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUAG or VYM?
NUAG yields 4.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NUAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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