NULC vs VOO
NULC vs VOO
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.21% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $70M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.62% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.92% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NULC vs VOO Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, NULC is up 16.62% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Over three years, NULC compounded at +19.79% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.92% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NULC has the edge at +15.64% annualized vs +13.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NULC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.9% for NULC and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NULC charges 0.21% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $21 vs $3 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULC currently yields 0.91% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NULC and VOO share 123 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NULC | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.01% | 7.51% | 0.50% |
| MSFT | 3.07% | 4.30% | 1.23% |
| AVGO | 3.76% | 2.77% | 0.99% |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NULC shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NULC or VOO?
NULC has an expense ratio of 0.21% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULC or VOO?
Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NULC annualized +15.64% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULC or VOO?
NULC has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NULC -34.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NULC and VOO?
NULC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NULC and VOO?
NULC and VOO share 123 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULC or VOO?
NULC yields 0.91% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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