NULV vs. DLN

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NULV (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - NULV tracks the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Value while DLN tracks the WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NULV returned 8.42%/yr vs 12.41%/yr for DLN. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NULV charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

NULV vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NULV achieves a 10.72% return, which is significantly higher than DLN's 10.07% return.

NULV

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -2.04%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.48%
• 1Y: 22.85%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: —

DLN

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 9.07%
• 1Y: 21.18%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: 12.41%
• 10Y*: 13.02%

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

NULV vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NULV Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF	10.72%	16.31%	11.88%	7.60%	-10.09%	23.46%	1.87%	27.26%	-4.90%	15.67%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	10.07%	15.53%	19.66%	9.95%	-3.78%	25.60%	4.59%	28.91%	-5.82%	18.22%

Correlation

The correlation between NULV and DLN is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2016	0.91

The correlation between NULV and DLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

NULV vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NULV	DLN
Financial Services	21.0%	17.4%
Healthcare	14.6%	12.6%
Technology	13.4%	22.8%
Industrials	12.0%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	10.2%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	4.9%
Utilities	5.3%	5.5%
Communication Services	5.1%	7.5%
Energy	4.6%	7.9%
Real Estate	3.7%	3.9%
Basic Materials	3.2%	1.0%

Return for Risk

NULV vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

NULV

NULV Risk / Return Rank: 75
NULV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
NULV Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
NULV Omega Ratio Rank: 74
NULV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
NULV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 83
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

NULV vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). 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.

	NULV	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.37	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.37	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.43	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	3.49	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.72	14.59	-1.87

NULV vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NULV Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NULV and DLN, 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

NULV vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NULV drawdown since its inception was -36.99%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NULV and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	NULV	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.99%	-57.84%	+20.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.28%	-6.10%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.07%	-13.71%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.47%	-16.26%	-5.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.77%	-1.01%	-1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-7.50%	+2.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	1.45%	+0.35%

Volatility

NULV vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) has a higher volatility of 3.28% compared to WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) at 2.71%. This indicates that NULV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NULV	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	2.71%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	6.97%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.84%	9.00%	+1.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	13.26%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.99%	16.14%	+0.85%

NULV vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULV has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

NULV vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

NULV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than DLN's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%
NULV Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF	1.48%	1.64%	2.09%	2.55%	2.12%	4.52%	1.42%	1.47%	3.73%	1.22%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULV and DLN in my portfolio?

NULV and DLN have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NULV or DLN?

NULV has higher volatility (3.28%) compared to DLN (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NULV dropped -36.99% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, NULV or DLN?

On 5-year performance, DLN leads with 12.41% vs 8.42% for NULV. On fees, NULV is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NULV or DLN?

Over the 5-year period, DLN has performed better with a 12.41% return vs 8.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULV or DLN?

NULV is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NULV or DLN?

DLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.79%, compared with 1.48% for NULV.

What is the main difference between NULV and DLN?

NULV tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Value, while DLN tracks WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for NULV and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.12), 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.