NULV vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NULV (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. NULV is passively managed, while VMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, NULV returned 22.85% vs 29.83% for VMAX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NULV charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

NULV vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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 lower than VMAX's 15.89% return.

NULV

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

VMAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 15.89%
• 6M: 14.20%
• 1Y: 29.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NULV vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NULV Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF	10.72%	16.31%	11.88%	4.82%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.89%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between NULV and VMAX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.88

The correlation between NULV and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

NULV vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NULV	VMAX
Financial Services	21.0%	32.4%
Healthcare	14.6%	11.1%
Technology	13.4%	13.3%
Industrials	12.0%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	10.2%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	3.7%
Utilities	5.3%	5.3%
Communication Services	5.1%	6.6%
Energy	4.6%	11.0%
Real Estate	3.7%	4.4%
Basic Materials	3.2%	2.8%

Return for Risk

NULV vs. VMAX — 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

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.44	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.32	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.43	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	6.08	-2.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.72	21.32	-8.60

NULV vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NULV Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NULV and VMAX, 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. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NULV drawdown since its inception was -36.99%, which is greater than VMAX's maximum drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NULV and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NULV	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.99%	-19.05%	-17.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.28%	-4.93%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.77%	0.00%	-2.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-2.52%	-2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	1.40%	+0.40%

Volatility

NULV vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) have volatilities of 3.28% and 3.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NULV	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	3.22%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	8.83%	-0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.84%	12.29%	-1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	15.39%	-1.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.99%	15.39%	+1.60%

NULV vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULV has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

NULV vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

NULV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than VMAX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.86%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULV and VMAX in my portfolio?

NULV and VMAX have a correlation of 0.86, 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 VMAX?

NULV has higher volatility (3.28%) compared to VMAX (3.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NULV dropped -36.99% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, NULV or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 29.83% vs 22.85% for NULV. On fees, NULV is cheaper at 0.26% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NULV or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 29.83% return vs 22.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULV or VMAX?

NULV is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for VMAX.

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

VMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 1.48% for NULV.

What is the main difference between NULV and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for NULV and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 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.