NWLG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NWLG (Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. NWLG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NWLG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

NWLG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NWLG

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

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

NWLG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NWLG Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF	-10.63%	13.21%	29.17%	43.55%	-31.52%	5.24%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	7.34%

Correlation

The correlation between NWLG and VUG is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.95

The correlation between NWLG and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NWLG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NWLG	VUG
Technology	48.0%	53.5%
Communication Services	14.7%	17.3%
Industrials	12.4%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	12.2%
Healthcare	6.7%	4.6%
Financial Services	5.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.0%	0.6%
Energy	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

NWLG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

NWLG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NWLG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.62	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NWLG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-50.68%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.53%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-1.51%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-7.09%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NWLG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.83%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.11%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	15.84%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	22.22%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	21.44%	—

NWLG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWLG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWLG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

NWLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.71%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWLG and VUG in my portfolio?

NWLG and VUG have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NWLG or VUG?

On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NWLG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NWLG.

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

NWLG has the higher dividend yield at 15.71%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between NWLG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for NWLG and 0.03% for VUG.