ESGG vs VXUS
FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $116M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 729 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.80% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.88% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.41% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ESGG vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGG returned +25.88% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ESGG is up 17.80% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ESGG compounded at +21.83% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.41% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ESGG has the edge at +14.07% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -32.3% for ESGG 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGG charges 0.42% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $5 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGG currently yields 1.29% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ESGG and VXUS share 430 holdings out of 8115 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGG or VXUS?
ESGG has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGG or VXUS?
Over the past year ESGG returned +25.88% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGG annualized +14.07% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGG or VXUS?
ESGG has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ESGG -32.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ESGG and VXUS?
ESGG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGG and VXUS?
ESGG and VXUS share 430 common holdings with a 19.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGG or VXUS?
ESGG yields 1.29% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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