NUBD vs VYM
NUBD vs VYM
Nuveen ESG US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUBD offers more diversification with 2182 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUBD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $464M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,388 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.74% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.44% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.65% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.67% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUBD vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUBD returned +1.44% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, NUBD is down 0.74% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, NUBD compounded at +3.65% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.67% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.31%. 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 5.3% 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 -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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUBD charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUBD currently yields 3.96% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUBD and VYM share 1 holdings out of 2739 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUBD | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMT | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUBD or VYM?
NUBD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUBD or VYM?
Over the past year NUBD returned +1.44% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUBD annualized +0.31% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUBD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.3% for NUBD. Worst drawdown: NUBD -20.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUBD and VYM?
NUBD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUBD and VYM?
NUBD and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2739 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUBD or VYM?
NUBD yields 3.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NUBD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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