NULC vs VTI
NULC vs VTI
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.21% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $70M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.62% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.92% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
NULC vs VTI Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, NULC is up 16.62% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, NULC compounded at +19.79% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.92% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NULC has the edge at +15.64% annualized vs +8.13%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.99. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NULC and VTI share 132 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NULC | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.01% | 6.32% | 1.69% |
| MSFT | 3.07% | 3.81% | 0.74% |
| AVGO | 3.76% | 2.46% | 1.30% |
| 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 VTI 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 VTI?
NULC has an expense ratio of 0.21% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULC or VTI?
Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NULC annualized +15.64% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULC or VTI?
NULC has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NULC -34.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NULC and VTI?
NULC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VTI?
NULC and VTI share 132 common holdings with a 34.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULC or VTI?
NULC yields 0.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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