NUSB vs VYM
NUSB vs VYM
Nuveen Ultra Short Income 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 | NUSB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $156M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.29% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.80% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.70% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUSB vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSB returned +3.70% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, NUSB is up 1.80% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSB charges 0.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSB currently yields 4.29% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUSB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 650 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 VYM?
NUSB has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSB or VYM?
Over the past year NUSB returned +3.70% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NUSB annualized +4.87% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.7% for NUSB. Worst drawdown: NUSB -0.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUSB and VYM?
NUSB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSB and VYM?
NUSB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSB or VYM?
NUSB yields 4.29% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.