ESGG vs VTI
FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ESGG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $116M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 729 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.47% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.51% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.90% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
ESGG vs VTI Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGG returned +25.51% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ESGG is up 16.47% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ESGG compounded at +21.90% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGG has the edge at +13.91% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -32.3% for ESGG 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGG charges 0.42% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $3 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGG currently yields 1.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ESGG and VTI share 111 holdings out of 3352 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGG or VTI?
ESGG has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGG or VTI?
Over the past year ESGG returned +25.51% vs +22.35% for VTI, so ESGG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGG annualized +13.91% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGG or VTI?
ESGG has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ESGG -32.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ESGG and VTI?
ESGG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGG and VTI?
ESGG and VTI share 111 common holdings with a 36.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3352 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGG or VTI?
ESGG yields 1.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ESGG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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