NUBD vs SPY
NUBD vs SPY
Nuveen ESG 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. NUBD offers more diversification with 2182 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUBD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $464M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,388 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.45% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.63% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.66% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUBD vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD) 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 NUBD returned +2.45% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, NUBD is down 0.72% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, NUBD compounded at +3.63% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.66% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.31%. 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 5.3% for NUBD. 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 -20.3% for NUBD 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUBD charges 0.12% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUBD currently yields 3.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUBD or SPY?
NUBD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUBD or SPY?
Over the past year NUBD returned +2.45% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUBD annualized +0.31% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUBD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for NUBD. Worst drawdown: NUBD -20.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUBD and SPY?
NUBD and SPY 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 NUBD and SPY?
NUBD and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2683 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUBD or SPY?
NUBD yields 3.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NUBD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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