SDG vs VTI
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.61% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.24% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.06% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.29% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
SDG vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) 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 SDG returned +15.24% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SDG is up 8.61% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SDG compounded at +7.06% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.29% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.4% for SDG. 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 -30.4% for SDG 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDG charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDG currently yields 1.69% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SDG and VTI share 19 holdings out of 2881 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDG or VTI?
SDG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDG or VTI?
Over the past year SDG returned +15.24% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SDG annualized +7.45% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.4% for SDG. Worst drawdown: SDG -30.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SDG and VTI?
SDG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDG and VTI?
SDG and VTI share 19 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDG or VTI?
SDG yields 1.69% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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