ESGE vs VOO
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ESGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 332 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.72% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.36% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.30% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.97% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ESGE vs VOO Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGE returned +35.36% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, ESGE is up 18.72% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, ESGE compounded at +23.30% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.97% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGE currently yields 2.23% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ESGE and VOO share 0 holdings out of 790 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 VOO?
ESGE has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGE or VOO?
Over the past year ESGE returned +35.36% vs +21.79% for VOO, so ESGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGE annualized +8.43% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGE or VOO?
ESGE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ESGE -41.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ESGE and VOO?
ESGE and VOO 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 VOO?
ESGE and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGE or VOO?
ESGE yields 2.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ESGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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