ESGU vs VXUS
ESGU vs VXUS
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 282 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.84% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.70% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ESGU vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGU returned +23.84% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, ESGU is up 13.65% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, ESGU compounded at +20.70% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.09% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGU has the edge at +14.65% annualized vs +4.81%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGU charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGU currently yields 0.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ESGU and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8123 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESGU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.38% | 0.00% | 0.38% |
| 2345:TW | 0.18% | 0.05% | 0.13% |
| BG | 0.13% | 0.03% | 0.10% |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings ESGU shares with VXUS 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 VXUS?
ESGU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGU or VXUS?
Over the past year ESGU returned +23.84% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGU annualized +14.65% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGU or VXUS?
ESGU has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ESGU -33.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ESGU and VXUS?
ESGU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGU and VXUS?
ESGU and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGU or VXUS?
ESGU yields 0.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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