ESGD vs VTI
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ESGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.25% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 379 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.88% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.48% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.53% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.11% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
ESGD vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGD returned +22.48% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, ESGD is up 13.88% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, ESGD compounded at +18.53% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.11% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGD has the edge at +9.07% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGD charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGD currently yields 3.25% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ESGD and VTI share 4 holdings out of 3138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGD or VTI?
ESGD has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGD or VTI?
Over the past year ESGD returned +22.48% vs +22.43% for VTI, so ESGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGD annualized +9.07% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.9% for ESGD. Worst drawdown: ESGD -36.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ESGD and VTI?
ESGD and VTI 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 VTI?
ESGD and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGD or VTI?
ESGD yields 3.25% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ESGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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