NULG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

NULG (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - NULG tracks the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NULG returned 14.32%/yr vs 13.77%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NULG charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

NULG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NULG achieves a 16.38% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.40% return.

NULG

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 4.28%
• YTD: 16.38%
• 6M: 20.38%
• 1Y: 27.25%
• 3Y*: 22.95%
• 5Y*: 14.32%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 5.40%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: 22.75%
• 3Y*: 23.06%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

NULG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	16.38%	14.07%	23.75%	42.71%	-28.43%	28.06%	39.58%	39.23%	0.31%	24.57%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.40%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between NULG and VUG is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2016	0.92

The correlation between NULG and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

NULG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NULG	VUG
Technology	60.3%	53.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	12.2%
Industrials	8.5%	3.6%
Financial Services	6.5%	4.3%
Communication Services	6.0%	17.3%
Healthcare	5.6%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.7%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.0%
Energy	-	0.4%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

NULG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NULG

NULG Risk / Return Rank: 43
NULG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NULG Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
NULG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
NULG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NULG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 35
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.37	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.89	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.24	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	1.38	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.35	4.74	+1.61

NULG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NULG Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NULG and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NULG drawdown since its inception was -36.17%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NULG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NULG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.17%	-50.68%	+14.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.50%	-16.53%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-22.85%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.17%	-35.61%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-5.18%	+3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.82%	-7.09%	+0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.30%	4.81%	-0.51%

Volatility

NULG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) has a higher volatility of 7.43% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.42%. This indicates that NULG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NULG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	6.42%	+1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.78%	13.29%	+1.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.06%	16.68%	+1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.69%	22.35%	-0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.45%	21.51%	-0.06%

NULG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULG has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NULG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

NULG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULG and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, NULG and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NULG or VUG?

NULG has higher volatility (7.43%) compared to VUG (6.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NULG dropped -36.17% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, NULG or VUG?

On 5-year performance, NULG leads with 14.32% vs 13.77% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NULG or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, NULG has performed better with a 14.32% return vs 13.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for NULG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.10% for NULG.

What is the main difference between NULG and VUG?

NULG tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NULG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NULG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.37), 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.