ESGU vs VOO
ESGU vs VOO
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF 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 | ESGU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 282 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.84% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.70% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ESGU vs VOO Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGU returned +23.84% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, ESGU is up 13.65% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, ESGU compounded at +20.70% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.09% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGU has the edge at +14.65% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -33.9% for ESGU 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGU charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGU currently yields 0.94% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ESGU and VOO share 248 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 77.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESGU | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.95% | 7.51% | 0.56% |
| AAPL | 6.94% | 6.59% | 0.35% |
| MSFT | 4.21% | 4.30% | 0.09% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ESGU 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, ESGU or VOO?
ESGU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGU or VOO?
Over the past year ESGU returned +23.84% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGU annualized +14.65% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGU or VOO?
ESGU has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ESGU -33.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ESGU and VOO?
ESGU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGU and VOO?
ESGU and VOO share 248 common holdings with a 77.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGU or VOO?
ESGU yields 0.94% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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