NUSC vs. NDVG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) and NDVG (Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap, while NDVG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen. NUSC is passively managed, while NDVG is actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NUSC charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for NDVG.

Performance

NUSC vs. NDVG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

NUSC

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.74%
• 1Y: 27.41%
• 3Y*: 13.27%
• 5Y*: 4.68%
• 10Y*: —

NDVG

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

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

NUSC vs. NDVG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	12.88%	7.72%	8.29%	15.72%	-17.73%	1.68%
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	-1.62%	10.06%	17.60%	15.15%	-9.55%	11.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NUSC and NDVG is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.78

The correlation between NUSC and NDVG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NUSC vs. NDVG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUSC

NUSC Risk / Return Rank: 50
NUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 42
NUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

NUSC vs. NDVG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) 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.

	NUSC	NDVG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.81	—	—
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

	NUSC	NDVG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NUSC	NDVG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.10%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.95%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NUSC	NDVG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.50%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.17%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.11%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.15%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.36%	—	—

NUSC vs. NDVG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUSC has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than NDVG's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUSC vs. NDVG - Dividend Comparison

NUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, less than NDVG's 4.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	4.41%	1.05%	1.20%	1.24%	1.34%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	0.93%	1.05%	1.15%	1.11%	1.16%	7.06%	0.52%	0.90%	3.95%	0.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUSC and NDVG in my portfolio?

NUSC and NDVG have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NUSC or NDVG?

On fees, NUSC is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUSC or NDVG?

NUSC is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NDVG.

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

NDVG has the higher dividend yield at 4.41%, compared with 0.93% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NUSC and NDVG?

NUSC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while NDVG is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for NUSC and 0.64% for NDVG.