NUSB vs VTI
NUSB vs VTI
Nuveen Ultra Short Income 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 | NUSB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $156M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.78% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.70% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
NUSB vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSB returned +3.70% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, NUSB is up 1.78% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 0.7% for NUSB. 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 -0.4% for NUSB 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSB charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSB currently yields 4.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUSB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2875 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, NUSB or VTI?
NUSB has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSB or VTI?
Over the past year NUSB returned +3.70% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NUSB annualized +4.87% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.7% for NUSB. Worst drawdown: NUSB -0.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUSB and VTI?
NUSB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSB and VTI?
NUSB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSB or VTI?
NUSB yields 4.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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