ESML vs VTI
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ESML delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESML | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 913 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.69% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.95% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.10% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
ESML vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESML returned +33.95% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, ESML is up 19.69% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, ESML compounded at +16.88% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.10% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESML has the edge at +10.56% annualized vs +8.13%. 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 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 -42.0% for ESML 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESML charges 0.17% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ESML and VTI share 639 holdings out of 3005 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESML or VTI?
ESML has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESML or VTI?
Over the past year ESML returned +33.95% vs +23.31% for VTI, so ESML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESML annualized +10.56% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESML or VTI?
ESML has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ESML -42.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ESML and VTI?
ESML and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 ESML and VTI?
ESML and VTI share 639 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3005 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESML or VTI?
ESML yields 0.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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