NUDM vs. NULG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NUDM (Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF) and NULG (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUDM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG International DM, while NULG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NUDM returned 8.37%/yr vs 13.43%/yr for NULG. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NUDM charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for NULG.

Performance

NUDM vs. NULG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF (NUDM) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUDM achieves a 8.31% return, which is significantly lower than NULG's 15.19% return.

NUDM

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 1.00%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 6M: 7.81%
• 1Y: 22.67%
• 3Y*: 16.64%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: —

NULG

• 1D: -2.58%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 13.84%
• 1Y: 26.26%
• 3Y*: 23.26%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

NUDM vs. NULG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUDM Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF	8.31%	29.60%	5.47%	17.70%	-15.16%	10.62%	10.06%	24.58%	-14.82%	8.40%
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	15.19%	14.07%	23.75%	42.71%	-28.43%	28.06%	39.58%	39.23%	0.31%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between NUDM and NULG is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2017	0.67

The correlation between NUDM and NULG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

NUDM vs. NULG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUDM	NULG
Financial Services	25.6%	6.5%
Industrials	20.8%	8.5%
Technology	13.1%	60.3%
Healthcare	10.2%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	1.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	8.7%
Basic Materials	5.7%	1.7%
Communication Services	5.3%	6.0%
Utilities	3.5%	-
Real Estate	2.2%	1.0%
Energy	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

NUDM vs. NULG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUDM

NUDM Risk / Return Rank: 42
NUDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
NUDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
NUDM Omega Ratio Rank: 41
NUDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NUDM Martin Ratio Rank: 44

NULG

NULG Risk / Return Rank: 41
NULG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
NULG Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
NULG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
NULG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
NULG Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

NUDM vs. NULG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF (NUDM) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG). 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.

	NUDM	NULG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.44	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	1.99	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.26	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.82	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.77	6.11	+0.66

NUDM vs. NULG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUDM Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the NULG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUDM and NULG, 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

NUDM vs. NULG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUDM drawdown since its inception was -32.01%, smaller than the maximum NULG drawdown of -36.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUDM and NULG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUDM	NULG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.01%	-36.17%	+4.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.50%	-14.50%	+2.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.47%	-22.28%	+8.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.09%	-36.17%	+6.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-2.80%	+0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.83%	-6.82%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	4.31%	-0.95%

Volatility

NUDM vs. NULG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF (NUDM) is 5.29%, while Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) has a volatility of 7.93%. This indicates that NUDM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NULG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUDM	NULG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.29%	7.93%	-2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.73%	14.90%	-1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.26%	18.29%	-2.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.74%	21.74%	-5.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.61%	21.46%	-3.85%

NUDM vs. NULG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUDM has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than NULG's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUDM vs. NULG - Dividend Comparison

NUDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.89%, more than NULG's 0.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUDM Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF	6.89%	7.46%	3.33%	3.14%	1.98%	4.31%	1.47%	3.42%	2.45%	0.47%
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.10%	0.11%	0.16%	0.43%	0.40%	5.08%	2.68%	1.10%	3.73%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUDM and NULG in my portfolio?

NUDM and NULG have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUDM or NULG?

NULG has higher volatility (7.93%) compared to NUDM (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUDM dropped -32.01% vs NULG's -36.17%.

Which ETF is better, NUDM or NULG?

On 5-year performance, NULG leads with 13.43% vs 8.37% for NUDM. On fees, NULG is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NUDM has been the lower-risk option at 5.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUDM or NULG?

Over the 5-year period, NULG has performed better with a 13.43% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUDM or NULG?

NULG is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for NUDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUDM or NULG?

NUDM has the higher dividend yield at 6.89%, compared with 0.10% for NULG.

What is the main difference between NUDM and NULG?

NUDM is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while NULG is Large Cap Growth Equities. NUDM tracks MSCI TIAA ESG International DM, while NULG tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for NUDM and 0.25% for NULG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NULG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.40), 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.