ESG vs VOO
ESG vs VOO
FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $131M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 253 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.54% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.87% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.02% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.98% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ESG vs VOO Performance
FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund (ESG) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESG returned +22.87% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, ESG is up 14.54% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, ESG compounded at +19.02% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.98% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESG has the edge at +15.03% annualized vs +13.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.5% for ESG and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESG charges 0.32% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESG currently yields 0.87% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ESG and VOO share 221 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 60.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESG | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.92% | 7.51% | 2.59% |
| AAPL | 5.08% | 6.59% | 1.51% |
| MSFT | 4.68% | 4.30% | 0.38% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ESG shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESG or VOO?
ESG has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESG or VOO?
Over the past year ESG returned +22.87% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESG annualized +15.03% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESG or VOO?
ESG has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ESG -32.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ESG and VOO?
ESG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESG and VOO?
ESG and VOO share 221 common holdings with a 60.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESG or VOO?
ESG yields 0.87% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.