NUSC vs VYM
NUSC vs VYM
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.36% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.96% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUSC vs VYM Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, NUSC is up 17.36% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.11% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.27% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NUSC has the edge at +10.19% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -41.5% for NUSC 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $4 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and VYM share 93 holdings out of 898 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUSC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVT:LN | 1.17% | 0.08% | 1.09% |
| EWBC | 0.98% | 0.07% | 0.91% |
| BPOP | 0.78% | 0.04% | 0.74% |
| FLS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WTRG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UGI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WAL.PR.A | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NOV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFT:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NUSC 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, NUSC or VYM?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSC or VYM?
Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% vs +25.99% for VYM, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.19% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or VYM?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUSC and VYM?
NUSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and VYM?
NUSC and VYM share 93 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or VYM?
NUSC yields 0.90% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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