NULC vs VYM
NULC vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.21% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $70M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.77% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.69% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.76% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NULC vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NULC returned +23.69% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, NULC is up 16.77% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, NULC compounded at +19.82% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.76% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NULC has the edge at +15.66% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NULC charges 0.21% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $21 vs $4 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULC currently yields 0.91% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NULC and VYM share 58 holdings out of 637 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NULC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 3.76% | 6.47% | 2.71% |
| PG | 1.62% | 1.72% | 0.10% |
| CSCO | 1.89% | 1.39% | 0.50% |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NULC shares with VYM 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 VYM?
NULC has an expense ratio of 0.21% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULC or VYM?
Over the past year NULC returned +23.69% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NULC annualized +15.66% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULC or VYM?
NULC has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NULC -34.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NULC and VYM?
NULC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NULC and VYM?
NULC and VYM share 58 common holdings with a 27.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULC or VYM?
NULC yields 0.91% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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