NUSA vs VOO
NUSA vs VOO
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond 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 | NUSA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $34M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 321 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.33% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.19% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.17% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.41% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NUSA vs VOO Performance
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSA returned +2.19% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, NUSA is up 0.33% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, NUSA compounded at +4.17% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.41% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +0.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 2.5% for NUSA. 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 -9.9% for NUSA 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSA charges 0.14% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $3 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSA currently yields 3.85% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NUSA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 746 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, NUSA or VOO?
NUSA has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSA or VOO?
Over the past year NUSA returned +2.19% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUSA annualized +0.95% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.5% for NUSA. Worst drawdown: NUSA -9.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NUSA and VOO?
NUSA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSA and VOO?
NUSA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 746 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSA or VOO?
NUSA yields 3.85% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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