NHYB vs. NUSC

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

NHYB (Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) and NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NHYB is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA BB-B US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index, while NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap. Both are passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NHYB charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for NUSC.

Performance

NHYB vs. NUSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NHYB achieves a 1.46% return, which is significantly lower than NUSC's 10.97% return.

NHYB

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 1.46%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSC

• 1D: -2.59%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 6M: 10.50%
• 1Y: 24.17%
• 3Y*: 12.17%
• 5Y*: 4.32%
• 10Y*: —

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

NHYB vs. NUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NHYB Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	1.46%	1.30%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	10.97%	3.05%

Correlation

The correlation between NHYB 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.70

Return for Risk

NHYB 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: 49
NUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
NUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
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.

NHYB vs. NUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NHYB) 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

	NHYB	NUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.20	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	0.43	+0.67

Drawdowns

NHYB vs. NUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NHYB drawdown since its inception was -2.40%, smaller than the maximum NUSC drawdown of -41.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NHYB and NUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	NHYB	NUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.40%	-41.49%	+39.09%
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	-0.44%	-2.59%	+2.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-8.21%	+7.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.81%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NHYB	NUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.13%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.45%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.67%	17.28%	-13.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.67%	21.18%	-17.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.67%	22.36%	-18.69%

NHYB vs. NUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

NHYB has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than NUSC's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

NHYB vs. NUSC - Dividend Comparison

NHYB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than NUSC's 0.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NHYB Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	4.26%	1.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	0.94%	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 NHYB and NUSC in my portfolio?

NHYB 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, NHYB or NUSC?

On fees, NHYB is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NHYB or NUSC?

NHYB is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for NUSC.

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

NHYB has the higher dividend yield at 4.26%, compared with 0.94% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NHYB and NUSC?

NHYB is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while NUSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. NHYB tracks ICE BofA BB-B US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index, while NUSC tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for NHYB and 0.30% for NUSC.