NUSC vs. VIOG
NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) and VIOG (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - NUSC tracks the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap while VIOG tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NUSC returned 5.41%/yr vs 7.23%/yr for VIOG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NUSC charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VIOG.
Performance
NUSC vs. VIOG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NUSC achieves a 13.82% return, which is significantly lower than VIOG's 22.77% return.
NUSC
- 1D
- -0.74%
- 1M
- -0.57%
- 6M
- 8.38%
- YTD
- 13.82%
- 1Y
- 23.00%
- 3Y*
- 11.48%
- 5Y*
- 5.41%
- 10Y*
- —
VIOG
- 1D
- -0.96%
- 1M
- 2.31%
- 6M
- 16.97%
- YTD
- 22.77%
- 1Y
- 28.24%
- 3Y*
- 15.00%
- 5Y*
- 7.23%
- 10Y*
- 11.03%
NUSC vs. VIOG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF | 13.82% | 7.72% | 8.29% | 15.72% | -17.73% | 17.51% | 23.69% | 27.09% | -9.40% | 16.50% |
VIOG Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF | 22.77% | 5.40% | 9.23% | 16.92% | -21.14% | 22.49% | 19.68% | 21.16% | -4.57% | 14.70% |
Correlation
The correlation between NUSC and VIOG is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2016 | 0.95 |
The correlation between NUSC and VIOG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
NUSC vs. VIOG — Risk / Return Rank
NUSC
VIOG
NUSC vs. VIOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG). 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.
| NUSC | VIOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.25 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.38 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.28 | -0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.29 | 3.14 | -0.85 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.22 | 10.77 | -2.56 |
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Drawdowns
NUSC vs. VIOG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NUSC drawdown since its inception was -41.49%, roughly equal to the maximum VIOG drawdown of -41.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUSC and VIOG.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NUSC | VIOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.49% | -41.73% | +0.24% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.10% | -9.03% | -1.07% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.95% | -27.35% | +0.40% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.85% | -29.15% | +0.30% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -41.73% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.49% | -3.27% | +0.78% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.13% | -7.58% | -0.55% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.81% | 2.63% | +0.18% |
Volatility
NUSC vs. VIOG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is 4.35%, while Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG) has a volatility of 5.25%. This indicates that NUSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| NUSC | VIOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.35% | 5.25% | -0.90% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.58% | 13.06% | -0.48% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.35% | 17.92% | -0.57% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.16% | 21.53% | -0.37% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.30% | 22.82% | -0.52% |
NUSC vs. VIOG - Expense Ratio Comparison
NUSC has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VIOG's 0.15% expense ratio.
Dividends
NUSC vs. VIOG - Dividend Comparison
NUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, more than VIOG's 0.77% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF | 0.92% | 1.05% | 1.15% | 1.11% | 1.16% | 7.06% | 0.52% | 0.90% | 3.95% | 0.94% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VIOG Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF | 0.77% | 1.04% | 1.03% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 0.69% | 0.68% | 1.09% | 0.76% | 0.87% | 0.92% | 1.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, NUSC and VIOG 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.
VIOG has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to NUSC (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUSC dropped -41.49% vs VIOG's -41.73%.
On 5-year performance, VIOG leads with 7.23% vs 5.41% for NUSC. On fees, VIOG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, NUSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, VIOG has performed better with a 7.23% return vs 5.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VIOG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for NUSC.
NUSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.77% for VIOG.
NUSC tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap, while VIOG tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for NUSC and 0.15% for VIOG.
VIOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.33), 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.
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