FESC vs NSCS
First Eagle Small Cap Equity ETF vs Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF
Which is better, FESC or NSCS?
FESC costs less.
FESC has a lower expense ratio.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FESC | NSCS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55%Best | 0.86% |
| AUM | $5M | $7M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.31% |
| Holdings | 184 | 82 |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 20.8% |
| Max Drawdown | - | -30.6% |
| Fund Family | First Eagle Investments | Nuveen |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2026 | Aug 4, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 478 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FESC has data through Oct 14, 2026 and NSCS through Jun 23, 2025.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FESC charges 0.55% per year while NSCS charges 0.86%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $86 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FESC currently yields 0.00% against 0.31% for NSCS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FESC and NSCS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FESC or NSCS?
FESC has an expense ratio of 0.55% while NSCS charges 0.86%. FESC is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which pays a higher dividend, FESC or NSCS?
FESC yields 0.00% while NSCS yields 0.31%, so NSCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NSCS better than FESC?
FESC has a lower expense ratio. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.