NSCR vs. NUSC

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NSCR (Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF) and NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NSCR is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen, while NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap. NSCR is actively managed, while NUSC is passively managed. Over the past year, NSCR returned 7.96% vs 30.06% for NUSC. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSCR charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for NUSC.

Performance

NSCR vs. NUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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, NSCR achieves a -6.24% return, which is significantly lower than NUSC's 13.53% return.

NSCR

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -6.24%
• 6M: -5.81%
• 1Y: 7.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSC

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 13.53%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 30.06%
• 3Y*: 13.48%
• 5Y*: 4.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

NSCR vs. NUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	-6.24%	13.32%	12.92%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	13.53%	7.72%	5.44%

Correlation

The correlation between NSCR and NUSC is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2024	0.72

The correlation between NSCR and NUSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSCR vs. NUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSCR

NSCR Risk / Return Rank: 19
NSCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
NSCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
NSCR Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NSCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
NSCR Martin Ratio Rank: 18

NUSC

NUSC Risk / Return Rank: 54
NUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
NUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 47
NUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

NSCR vs. NUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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.

	NSCR	NUSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.68	1.77	-1.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	2.57	-1.57
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.30	-0.17
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	2.95	-2.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.96	10.64	-8.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSCR vs. NUSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSCR Sharpe Ratio is 0.68, which is lower than the NUSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSCR and NUSC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NSCR	NUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68	1.77	-1.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.44	+0.09

Drawdowns

NSCR vs. NUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSCR drawdown since its inception was -20.75%, smaller than the maximum NUSC drawdown of -41.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSCR and NUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSCR	NUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.75%	-41.49%	+20.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	-10.10%	-1.71%
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	-7.98%	0.00%	-7.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-8.22%	+4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.26%	2.80%	+1.46%

Volatility

NSCR vs. NUSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) is 0.00%, while Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) has a volatility of 4.55%. This indicates that NSCR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSCR	NUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	4.55%	-4.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	12.18%	-3.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.82%	17.10%	-5.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.99%	21.15%	-5.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.99%	22.36%	-6.37%

NSCR vs. NUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSCR has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than NUSC's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSCR vs. NUSC - Dividend Comparison

NSCR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.34%, more than NUSC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	16.34%	1.92%	1.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	0.92%	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 NSCR and NUSC in my portfolio?

NSCR and NUSC have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSCR or NUSC?

NUSC has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to NSCR (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSCR dropped -20.75% vs NUSC's -41.49%.

Which ETF is better, NSCR or NUSC?

On 1-year performance, NUSC leads with 30.06% vs 7.96% for NSCR. On fees, NUSC is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, NSCR has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSCR or NUSC?

Over the 1-year period, NUSC has performed better with a 30.06% return vs 7.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSCR or NUSC?

NUSC is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for NSCR.

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

NSCR has the higher dividend yield at 16.34%, compared with 0.92% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NSCR and NUSC?

NSCR is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while NUSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for NSCR and 0.30% for NUSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.68), 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.