ESGV vs SPY
Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
ESGV has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESGV offers more diversification with 1,244 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,244 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.15% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.36% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESGV vs SPY Performance
Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF (ESGV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ESGV returned +20.83% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, ESGV is up 12.15% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ESGV compounded at +21.83% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.36% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESGV has the edge at +14.52% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -33.7% for ESGV 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGV charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGV currently yields 0.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ESGV and SPY share 369 holdings out of 1359 unique holdings combined, representing a 77.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGV or SPY?
ESGV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. ESGV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGV or SPY?
Over the past year ESGV returned +20.83% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESGV annualized +14.52% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGV or SPY?
ESGV has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ESGV -33.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESGV and SPY?
ESGV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 ESGV and SPY?
ESGV and SPY share 369 common holdings with a 77.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGV or SPY?
ESGV yields 0.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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