NUSC vs. NWLG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) and NWLG (Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap, while NWLG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen. NUSC is passively managed, while NWLG is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NUSC charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for NWLG.

Performance

NUSC vs. NWLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG). 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*: —

NWLG

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

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

NUSC vs. NWLG - 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%
NWLG Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF	-10.63%	13.21%	29.17%	43.55%	-31.52%	5.24%

Correlation

The correlation between NUSC and NWLG is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.69

The correlation between NUSC and NWLG shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NUSC vs. NWLG — 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. NWLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG). 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	NWLG	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	NWLG	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	NWLG	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	NWLG	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. NWLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NUSC vs. NWLG - Dividend Comparison

NUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, less than NWLG's 15.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
NWLG Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF	15.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUSC and NWLG in my portfolio?

NUSC and NWLG have a correlation of 0.50, 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 NWLG?

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 NWLG?

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

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

NWLG has the higher dividend yield at 15.71%, compared with 0.93% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NUSC and NWLG?

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