NULC vs. NDVG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NULC (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF) and NDVG (Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Nuveen. NULC is passively managed, while NDVG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NULC charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for NDVG.

Performance

NULC vs. NDVG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

NULC

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 5.76%
• YTD: 14.11%
• 6M: 14.35%
• 1Y: 26.94%
• 3Y*: 21.23%
• 5Y*: 11.41%
• 10Y*: —

NDVG

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

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

NULC vs. NDVG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NULC Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF	14.11%	16.29%	18.71%	22.54%	-20.18%	5.67%
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	-1.62%	10.06%	17.60%	15.15%	-9.55%	11.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NULC and NDVG is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.88

The correlation between NULC and NDVG shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NULC vs. NDVG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NULC	NDVG
Technology	36.2%	28.9%
Financial Services	13.4%	14.7%
Communication Services	10.9%	2.7%
Healthcare	8.7%	9.8%
Industrials	8.4%	10.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	7.7%
Energy	2.4%	5.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	3.9%
Utilities	2.0%	5.1%
Basic Materials	1.7%	2.2%

Return for Risk

NULC vs. NDVG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NULC

NULC Risk / Return Rank: 64
NULC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
NULC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NULC Omega Ratio Rank: 61
NULC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
NULC Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

NULC vs. NDVG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) and Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG). 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.

	NULC	NDVG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.07	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NULC	NDVG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.80	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NULC	NDVG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.86%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NULC	NDVG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.85%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.68%	—	—

NULC vs. NDVG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULC has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than NDVG's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

NULC vs. NDVG - Dividend Comparison

NULC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.91%, more than NDVG's 4.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	4.41%	1.05%	1.20%	1.24%	1.34%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%
NULC Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF	8.91%	10.17%	1.86%	1.32%	2.37%	6.14%	4.07%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULC and NDVG in my portfolio?

NULC and NDVG have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NULC or NDVG?

On fees, NULC is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULC or NDVG?

NULC is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NDVG.

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

NULC has the higher dividend yield at 8.91%, compared with 4.41% for NDVG.

What is the main difference between NULC and NDVG?

Their fees differ too: 0.20% for NULC and 0.64% for NDVG.