ESGE vs VXUS
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ESGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 332 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.72% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.36% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.30% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.97% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ESGE vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) 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 ESGE returned +35.36% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ESGE is up 18.72% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ESGE compounded at +23.30% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.97% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGE has the edge at +8.43% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGE charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGE currently yields 2.23% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ESGE and VXUS share 180 holdings out of 7974 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGE or VXUS?
ESGE has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGE or VXUS?
Over the past year ESGE returned +35.36% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so ESGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGE annualized +8.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGE or VXUS?
ESGE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ESGE -41.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ESGE and VXUS?
ESGE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGE and VXUS?
ESGE and VXUS share 180 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7974 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGE or VXUS?
ESGE yields 2.23% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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