ESMV vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricESMVVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.03%
AUM$8M$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.51%1.07%
Holdings1603,543
YTD Return+10.14%+13.39%
1Y Return+11.38%+23.21%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.28%+20.65%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.18%
Volatility (annualized)13.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 2, 2021May 24, 2001

ESMV vs VTI Performance

iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) 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 ESMV returned +11.38% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, ESMV is up 10.14% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.

Over three years, ESMV compounded at +11.28% per year against +20.65% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +6.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for ESMV. 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 -19.8% for ESMV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ESMV charges 0.18% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESMV currently yields 1.51% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

28.1%overlap

ESMV and VTI share 148 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ESMVWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA1.27%6.32%5.05%
AAPL0.58%5.84%5.26%
MSFT1.33%3.81%2.48%
AVGOProProPro
MUProProPro
AMDProProPro
AMATProProPro
PANWProProPro
GOOGProProPro
LLYProProPro
See all 10 holdings ESMV shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ESMV or VTI?

ESMV has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ESMV or VTI?

Over the past year ESMV returned +11.38% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ESMV annualized +6.42% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ESMV or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for ESMV. Worst drawdown: ESMV -19.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both ESMV and VTI?

ESMV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ESMV and VTI?

ESMV and VTI share 148 common holdings with a 28.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ESMV or VTI?

ESMV yields 1.51% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ESMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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