NUHY vs SPY
NUHY vs SPY
Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate 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. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUHY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $110M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.60% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.30% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.42% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NUHY vs SPY Performance
Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NUHY) 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 NUHY returned +4.42% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, NUHY is up 1.30% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, NUHY compounded at +7.87% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +2.40%. 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 8.4% for NUHY. 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 -20.5% for NUHY 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUHY charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUHY currently yields 6.60% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NUHY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 817 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUHY or SPY?
NUHY has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUHY or SPY?
Over the past year NUHY returned +4.42% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NUHY annualized +2.40% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUHY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.4% for NUHY. Worst drawdown: NUHY -20.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NUHY and SPY?
NUHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUHY and SPY?
NUHY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUHY or SPY?
NUHY yields 6.60% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NUHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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