NSCS vs SMLL
Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF vs Harbor Active Small Cap ETF
Which is better, NSCS or SMLL?
NSCS has been ahead.
SMLL has a lower expense ratio. NSCS led over 1Y.
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 | NSCS | SMLL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.80%Best |
| AUM | $7M | $12M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 1.63% |
| Holdings | 82 | 103 |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Harbor Funds |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Aug 27, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $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. NSCS has data through Jun 23, 2025 and SMLL through Oct 14, 2026.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSCS charges 0.86% per year while SMLL charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $80 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCS currently yields 0.31% against 1.63% for SMLL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NSCS and SMLL 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, NSCS or SMLL?
NSCS has an expense ratio of 0.86% while SMLL charges 0.80%. SMLL is the cheaper option, by $6 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCS or SMLL?
NSCS yields 0.31% while SMLL yields 1.63%, so SMLL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMLL better than NSCS?
SMLL has a lower expense ratio. NSCS led over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.