ESML vs VOO
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ESML delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESML offers more diversification with 861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESML | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 913 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.74% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.77% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.49% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ESML vs VOO Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) 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 ESML returned +33.77% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ESML is up 19.74% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, ESML compounded at +16.49% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +10.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 14.1% 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 -42.0% for ESML 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESML charges 0.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESML currently yields 0.89% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ESML and VOO share 47 holdings out of 1319 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESML or VOO?
ESML has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESML or VOO?
Over the past year ESML returned +33.77% vs +23.71% for VOO, so ESML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESML annualized +10.58% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESML or VOO?
ESML has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ESML -42.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ESML and VOO?
ESML and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESML and VOO?
ESML and VOO share 47 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1319 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESML or VOO?
ESML yields 0.89% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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