ESMV vs VXUS
ESMV vs VXUS
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor 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 | ESMV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 160 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.11% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.65% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ESMV vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) 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 ESMV returned +11.65% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, ESMV is up 10.11% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, ESMV compounded at +11.28% per year against +18.64% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, ESMV has the edge at +6.42% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESMV charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESMV currently yields 1.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ESMV and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8013 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 ESMV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.98% | 0.00% | 0.98% |
| 2345:TW | 0.50% | 0.05% | 0.45% |
| ORCL | 0.28% | 0.00% | 0.28% |
| WCN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings ESMV 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, ESMV or VXUS?
ESMV has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESMV or VXUS?
Over the past year ESMV returned +11.65% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ESMV annualized +6.42% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESMV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.0% for ESMV. Worst drawdown: ESMV -19.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ESMV and VXUS?
ESMV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESMV and VXUS?
ESMV and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8013 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESMV or VXUS?
ESMV yields 1.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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