ESGE vs SPY
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ESGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 332 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.72% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.36% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.30% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.97% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESGE vs SPY Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) 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 ESGE returned +35.36% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, ESGE is up 18.72% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, ESGE compounded at +23.30% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.97% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -41.1% for ESGE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGE charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGE currently yields 2.23% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ESGE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 789 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGE or SPY?
ESGE has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGE or SPY?
Over the past year ESGE returned +35.36% vs +21.71% for SPY, so ESGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGE annualized +8.43% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGE or SPY?
ESGE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ESGE -41.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESGE and SPY?
ESGE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGE and SPY?
ESGE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGE or SPY?
ESGE yields 2.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ESGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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