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The Best ESG ETFs

The table below compares the performance and other essential indicators like dividend yield and expense ratio of ESG ETFs.

ESG ETFs, or Environmental, Social, and Governance ETFs, are exchange-traded funds that invest in companies that meet specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. These criteria typically focus on climate change, employee diversity and rights, human rights, and ethical business practices. ESG investing is to achieve positive financial returns while promoting positive social and environmental outcomes.

ESG ETFs typically invest in a diversified portfolio of companies that have been screened for ESG factors. The screening process may involve using various data sources and rating agencies that assess the companies' performance on these factors. Some ETFs may also use negative screening to exclude companies that don't meet specific ESG standards, such as those that produce tobacco or weapons.

ESG ETFs can provide investors with a way to align their investments with their values while potentially achieving financial returns. Additionally, since ESG factors can indicate good management and robust risk management, some researchers argue that companies that score well in ESG may be less risky and more stable in the long run. However, it's important to note that the approach and criteria used for screening companies may vary among ESG ETFs, so investors should conduct their research and due diligence before investing in these funds.

Number of ETFs
34
Avg. Expense Ratio
0.36%
Avg. Dividend Yield
1.32%
Avg. 1 Year Return
18.69%
Median Risk/Return Score
55 / 100
The Best ESG ETFs

7 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend YieldRisk / Return RankMax. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Intelligent Investor Ethical Share ETFESG, Australia EquitiesJun 12, 20190.97%
-9.15%
8.36%
4
iShares Core MSCI World Ex Australia ESG ETFGlobal Equities, ESGApr 22, 20160.09%
2.98%
13.71%
0.94%
26
Russell Investments Australian Responsible Investm...Australia Equities, ESG, Sustainable, DividendApr 1, 20150.45%
-0.02%
7.36%
5.69%
11
Vanguard Ethically Conscious Global Aggregate Bond...Global Bonds, Total Bond Market, ESGSep 11, 20180.26%
-1.01%
1.69%
17
Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares ...Global Equities, ESGSep 11, 20180.18%
4.77%
1.11%
31
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Carbon Awar...Emerging Markets Equities, ESGNov 11, 20130.35%
5.42%
8.70%
7.20%
30
State Street SPDR S&P World ex Australia Carbon Aw...Global Equities, ESGJul 8, 20130.10%
7.54%
11.84%
7.11%
50

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Best ESG ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top ESG ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are PRVS (88) and ETHO (86). The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.

SymbolNameRisk / Return RankAUMInception
Parnassus Value Select ETF
88
20.19MDec 2024
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF
86
186.55MNov 2015
Invesco Global Equity Net Zero ETF
84
174.54MJul 2025
Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF
83
67.64MNov 2021
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Value ETF
76
443.69MDec 2016

Best-Performing ESG ETFs Over 5 Years

The top ESG ETFs is SNPE (13.59%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average 1-year return of 18.69% and an average 5-year return of 8.62%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF
13.59%
2.63BJun 2019
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF
13.59%
988.98MJul 2020
iShares ESG Select Screened S&P 500 ETF
12.42%
647.94MSep 2020
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF
11.98%
5.32BNov 2006
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF
11.65%
17.75BDec 2016

Lowest-Cost ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is XVV (0.08%). With an average expense ratio of 0.36%, ESG ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

SymbolNameExpense RatioAUMInception
iShares ESG Select Screened S&P 500 ETF0.08%647.94MSep 2020
Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETF0.09%Dec 2024
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF0.09%13.20BSep 2018
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF0.10%4.97BOct 2018
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF0.10%2.63BJun 2019

Highest-Yield ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is YLDE (6.39%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average dividend yield of 1.32%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

Top ETFs Categories


Top ETFs Comparisons

Compare the top ETFs symbols based on PortfoliosLab usage data.

Risk vs. Return Scatterplot

The Risk vs. Return Scatterplot allows you to quickly compare funds, stocks, and ETFs in one view. It displays the yearly return of an instrument on one axis and the risk (volatility) on the other.

0%Annualized Volatility0%Annualized Return

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