NDVG vs. NUSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NDVG (Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF) and NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NDVG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen, while NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap. NDVG is actively managed, while NUSC is passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NDVG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for NUSC.

Performance

NDVG vs. NUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) and Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NDVG

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

NUSC

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.74%
• 1Y: 27.41%
• 3Y*: 13.27%
• 5Y*: 4.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

NDVG vs. NUSC - 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%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	12.88%	7.72%	8.29%	15.72%	-17.73%	1.68%

Correlation

The correlation between NDVG and NUSC is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.78

The correlation between NDVG and NUSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NDVG vs. NUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUSC

NUSC Risk / Return Rank: 50
NUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 42
NUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. NUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) and Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC). 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	NUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.22	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.44	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NDVG	NUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-41.49%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.10%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.95%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.57%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-8.21%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.80%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NDVG	NUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.17%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	17.11%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	21.15%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	22.36%	—

NDVG vs. NUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

NDVG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than NUSC's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

NDVG vs. NUSC - Dividend Comparison

NDVG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than NUSC's 0.93% 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%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	0.93%	1.05%	1.15%	1.11%	1.16%	7.06%	0.52%	0.90%	3.95%	0.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NDVG and NUSC in my portfolio?

NDVG and NUSC have a correlation of 0.70, 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 NUSC?

On fees, NUSC is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NDVG or NUSC?

NUSC is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NDVG.

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

NDVG has the higher dividend yield at 4.41%, compared with 0.93% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NDVG and NUSC?

NDVG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while NUSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for NDVG and 0.30% for NUSC.