ESGD vs SPY
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ESGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 379 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.76% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.84% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.05% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.12% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESGD vs SPY Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ESGD returned +22.84% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ESGD is up 13.76% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ESGD compounded at +18.05% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.12% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGD has the edge at +9.06% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for ESGD. 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 -36.3% for ESGD and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGD charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGD currently yields 3.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGD or SPY?
ESGD has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGD or SPY?
Over the past year ESGD returned +22.84% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ESGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGD annualized +9.06% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for ESGD. Worst drawdown: ESGD -36.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESGD and SPY?
ESGD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGD and SPY?
ESGD and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 853 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGD or SPY?
ESGD yields 3.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ESGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.