NCPB vs. NUMG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

NCPB (Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF) and NUMG (Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NCPB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Nuveen, while NUMG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Mid Cap Growth. NCPB is actively managed, while NUMG is passively managed. Over the past year, NCPB returned 5.31% vs -2.73% for NUMG. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.30% expense ratio.

Performance

NCPB vs. NUMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) and Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NCPB achieves a 0.55% return, which is significantly higher than NUMG's -2.71% return.

NCPB

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.48%
• 6M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.55%
• 1Y: 5.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUMG

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 1.20%
• 6M: -3.35%
• YTD: -2.71%
• 1Y: -2.73%
• 3Y*: 4.75%
• 5Y*: -0.44%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NCPB vs. NUMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NCPB Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF	0.55%	7.69%	3.53%
NUMG Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF	-2.71%	0.78%	9.05%

Correlation

The correlation between NCPB and NUMG is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2024	0.30

Return for Risk

NCPB vs. NUMG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NCPB

NCPB Risk / Return Rank: 51
NCPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
NCPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
NCPB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
NCPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
NCPB Martin Ratio Rank: 43

NUMG

NUMG Risk / Return Rank: 8
NUMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
NUMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
NUMG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
NUMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
NUMG Martin Ratio Rank: 8

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NCPB vs. NUMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) and Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NCPB	NUMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	-0.15	+1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	-0.08	+2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	0.99	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	-0.14	+1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	-0.35	+5.84

NCPB vs. NUMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NCPB Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the NUMG Sharpe Ratio of -0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NCPB and NUMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NCPB vs. NUMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NCPB drawdown since its inception was -3.59%, smaller than the maximum NUMG drawdown of -38.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NCPB and NUMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NCPB	NUMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.59%	-38.85%	+35.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.88%	-19.71%	+16.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-11.44%	+10.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.93%	-11.37%	+10.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	7.92%	-6.95%

Volatility

NCPB vs. NUMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) is 1.00%, while Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that NCPB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NCPB	NUMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.00%	4.70%	-3.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.81%	15.14%	-12.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.49%	18.79%	-15.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.31%	22.98%	-18.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.31%	21.83%	-17.52%

NCPB vs. NUMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NCPB and NUMG have an expense ratio of 0.30%.

Dividends

NCPB vs. NUMG - Dividend Comparison

NCPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.30%, more than NUMG's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NCPB Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF	5.30%	5.21%	5.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUMG Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.06%	0.18%	0.18%	12.76%	3.82%	0.27%	5.14%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NCPB and NUMG in my portfolio?

NCPB and NUMG have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NCPB or NUMG?

NUMG has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to NCPB (1.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NCPB dropped -3.59% vs NUMG's -38.85%.

Which ETF is better, NCPB or NUMG?

On 1-year performance, NCPB leads with 5.31% vs -2.73% for NUMG. Both ETFs have the same 0.30% expense ratio. On volatility, NCPB has been the lower-risk option at 1.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NCPB or NUMG?

Over the 1-year period, NCPB has performed better with a 5.31% return vs -2.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NCPB or NUMG?

NCPB and NUMG have the same expense ratio: 0.30% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NCPB or NUMG?

NCPB has the higher dividend yield at 5.30%, compared with 0.01% for NUMG.

What is the main difference between NCPB and NUMG?

NCPB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while NUMG is Mid Cap Growth Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NCPB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs -0.15), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.