ESGU vs VTI
ESGU vs VTI
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 282 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.86% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.23% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.37% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
ESGU vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGU returned +21.23% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, ESGU is up 11.86% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, ESGU compounded at +20.37% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.78% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGU has the edge at +14.47% annualized vs +8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ESGU and VTI share 257 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 71.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESGU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.95% | 6.32% | 0.63% |
| AAPL | 6.94% | 5.84% | 1.10% |
| MSFT | 4.21% | 3.81% | 0.40% |
| 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 VTI 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 VTI?
ESGU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGU or VTI?
Over the past year ESGU returned +21.23% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGU annualized +14.47% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGU or VTI?
ESGU has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ESGU -33.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ESGU and VTI?
ESGU and VTI 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 VTI?
ESGU and VTI share 257 common holdings with a 71.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGU or VTI?
ESGU yields 0.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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