NULG vs. NUMI

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

NULG (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF) and NUMI (Nuveen Municipal Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NULG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth, while NUMI is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Nuveen. NULG is passively managed, while NUMI is actively managed. Over the past year, NULG returned 21.77% vs 7.55% for NUMI. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NULG charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for NUMI.

Performance

NULG vs. NUMI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NULG achieves a 17.55% return, which is significantly higher than NUMI's 1.80% return.

NULG

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -0.63%
• 6M: 17.22%
• YTD: 17.55%
• 1Y: 21.77%
• 3Y*: 21.94%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: —

NUMI

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.45%
• 6M: 1.10%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 1Y: 7.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NULG vs. NUMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	17.55%	8.96%
NUMI Nuveen Municipal Income ETF	1.80%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between NULG and NUMI is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.16

Return for Risk

NULG vs. NUMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

NULG

NULG Risk / Return Rank: 38
NULG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
NULG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
NULG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
NULG Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
NULG Martin Ratio Rank: 39

NUMI

NUMI Risk / Return Rank: 80
NUMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
NUMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
NUMI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
NUMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
NUMI Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NULG vs. NUMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) and Nuveen Municipal Income ETF (NUMI). 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.

	NULG	NUMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	2.31	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	3.42	-1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.51	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	2.69	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	9.00	-3.96

NULG vs. NUMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NULG Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the NUMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NULG and NUMI, 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

NULG vs. NUMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NULG drawdown since its inception was -36.17%, which is greater than NUMI's maximum drawdown of -4.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NULG and NUMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	NULG	NUMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.17%	-4.72%	-31.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.50%	-2.82%	-11.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-0.36%	-1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.78%	-1.32%	-5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	0.84%	+3.49%

Volatility

NULG vs. NUMI - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) has a higher volatility of 6.82% compared to Nuveen Municipal Income ETF (NUMI) at 0.54%. This indicates that NULG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NUMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NULG	NUMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.82%	0.54%	+6.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.38%	2.20%	+13.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.65%	3.29%	+15.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.83%	4.24%	+17.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.46%	4.24%	+17.22%

NULG vs. NUMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULG has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than NUMI's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

NULG vs. NUMI - Dividend Comparison

NULG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than NUMI's 3.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
NUMI Nuveen Municipal Income ETF	3.63%	3.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULG and NUMI in my portfolio?

NULG and NUMI have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NULG or NUMI?

NULG has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to NUMI (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NULG dropped -36.17% vs NUMI's -4.72%.

Which ETF is better, NULG or NUMI?

On 1-year performance, NULG leads with 21.77% vs 7.55% for NUMI. On fees, NULG is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NUMI has been the lower-risk option at 0.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NULG or NUMI?

Over the 1-year period, NULG has performed better with a 21.77% return vs 7.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULG or NUMI?

NULG is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for NUMI.

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

NUMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.63%, compared with 0.10% for NULG.

What is the main difference between NULG and NUMI?

NULG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while NUMI is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NULG and 0.29% for NUMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.17), 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.