NDVG vs. NUSA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NDVG (Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF) and NUSA (Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NDVG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen, while NUSA is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the ICE BofA Enhanced Yield US Broad Bond (1-5 Y). NDVG is actively managed, while NUSA is passively managed. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NDVG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for NUSA.

Performance

NDVG vs. NUSA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NDVG

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSA

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.55%
• 1Y: 3.68%
• 3Y*: 4.34%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

NDVG vs. NUSA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	-1.62%	10.06%	17.60%	15.15%	-9.55%	11.07%
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.39%	5.89%	3.52%	5.19%	-5.91%	-1.21%

Correlation

The correlation between NDVG and NUSA is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.17

Return for Risk

NDVG vs. NUSA — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUSA

NUSA Risk / Return Rank: 63
NUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
NUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
NUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
NUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

NDVG vs. NUSA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NDVG	NUSA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.82	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NDVG	NUSA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-9.44%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.28%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-9.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.55%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-1.65%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.36%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NDVG	NUSA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.82%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	2.80%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	2.72%	—

NDVG vs. NUSA - Expense Ratio Comparison

NDVG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than NUSA's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

NDVG vs. NUSA - Dividend Comparison

NDVG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than NUSA's 3.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	4.41%	1.05%	1.20%	1.24%	1.34%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	3.86%	3.83%	3.93%	3.54%	2.44%	2.16%	2.51%	2.85%	3.22%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NDVG and NUSA in my portfolio?

NDVG and NUSA have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NDVG or NUSA?

On fees, NUSA is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NDVG or NUSA?

NUSA is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NDVG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NDVG or NUSA?

NDVG has the higher dividend yield at 4.41%, compared with 3.86% for NUSA.

What is the main difference between NDVG and NUSA?

NDVG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while NUSA is Short-Term Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for NDVG and 0.15% for NUSA.