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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
32
Avg. Expense Ratio
0.37%
Avg. Dividend Yield
1.89%
Avg. 1 Year Return
21.89%
Median Risk/Return Score
56 / 100
The Best ESG ETFs

2 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend Yield

Risk / Return Rank

Max. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Invesco S&P 500 ESG Index ETFS&P 500, ESGMar 5, 20200.20%
11.93%
0.75%
75
Invesco S&P/TSX Composite ESG Index ETFCanada Equities, ESGOct 8, 20200.15%
13.27%
2.11%
84

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Best ESG ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top ESG ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are PULT (98) and PRVS (77). The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.

SymbolNameRisk / Return RankAUMInception
Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF
98
35.33MJan 2023
Parnassus Value Select ETF
77
20.19MDec 2024
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF
73
1.08BJul 2020
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF
72
2.75BJun 2019
Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETF
69
Dec 2024

Best-Performing ESG ETFs Over 5 Years

The top ESG ETFs is SNPE (14.13%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average 1-year return of 21.89% and an average 5-year return of 8.38%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF
14.13%
2.75BJun 2019
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF
14.13%
1.08BJul 2020
iShares ESG Screened S&P 500 ETF
13.05%
652.95MSep 2020
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF
12.20%
17.58BDec 2016
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF
12.04%
12.40BSep 2018

Lowest-Cost ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is XVV (0.08%). With an average expense ratio of 0.37%, ESG ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

SymbolNameExpense RatioAUMInception
iShares ESG Screened S&P 500 ETF0.08%652.95MSep 2020
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF0.09%12.40BSep 2018
Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETF0.09%Dec 2024
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF0.10%2.75BJun 2019
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF0.10%4.75BOct 2018

Highest-Yield ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is IVRA (16.99%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average dividend yield of 1.89%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

SymbolNameDividend YieldAUMInception
Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF16.99%11.36MDec 2020
ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF7.01%158.35MMay 2017
Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF4.67%1.20BSep 2020
Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF4.25%35.33MJan 2023
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF4.02%4.75BOct 2018

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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