DSI vs. ESGV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and ESGV (Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while ESGV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US All Cap Choice Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DSI returned 12.35%/yr vs 11.61%/yr for ESGV. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for ESGV.

Performance

DSI vs. ESGV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSI achieves a 8.47% return, which is significantly higher than ESGV's 7.75% return.

DSI

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 8.47%
• 6M: 7.30%
• 1Y: 24.79%
• 3Y*: 20.37%
• 5Y*: 12.35%
• 10Y*: 15.50%

ESGV

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 7.75%
• 6M: 6.70%
• 1Y: 23.45%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 11.61%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DSI vs. ESGV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	8.47%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	31.15%	-12.07%
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	7.75%	16.48%	24.69%	30.79%	-24.04%	26.55%	25.69%	33.36%	-14.45%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and ESGV is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 20, 2018	0.98

The correlation between DSI and ESGV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSI vs. ESGV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	ESGV
Technology	43.1%	43.0%
Communication Services	12.8%	12.2%
Financial Services	10.1%	11.4%
Industrials	8.0%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	11.7%
Healthcare	7.0%	9.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	3.6%
Real Estate	2.6%	2.6%
Basic Materials	2.2%	1.8%
Energy	1.5%	0.1%
Utilities	0.9%	0.2%

Return for Risk

DSI vs. ESGV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 54
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

ESGV

ESGV Risk / Return Rank: 48
ESGV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
ESGV Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ESGV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ESGV Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ESGV Martin Ratio Rank: 51

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DSI vs. ESGV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DSI	ESGV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.67	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.29	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.25	2.03	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.27	8.48	+0.79

DSI vs. ESGV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the ESGV Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI and ESGV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DSI vs. ESGV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, which is greater than ESGV's maximum drawdown of -33.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and ESGV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	ESGV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-33.66%	-20.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-11.60%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-20.41%	-0.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-28.81%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.50%	-3.56%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-6.40%	-1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.77%	-0.09%

Volatility

DSI vs. ESGV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) have volatilities of 5.59% and 5.61%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSI	ESGV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	5.61%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.08%	11.26%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.79%	14.15%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.04%	18.48%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.73%	20.60%	-1.87%

DSI vs. ESGV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than ESGV's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DSI vs. ESGV - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, which matches ESGV's 0.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	0.89%	0.92%	1.03%	1.19%	1.39%	0.99%	1.22%	1.40%	1.63%	1.28%	1.51%	1.46%
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	0.89%	0.91%	1.04%	1.16%	1.42%	0.95%	1.11%	1.27%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSI and ESGV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DSI and ESGV move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DSI or ESGV?

ESGV has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to DSI (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs ESGV's -33.66%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or ESGV?

On 5-year performance, DSI leads with 12.35% vs 11.61% for ESGV. On fees, ESGV is cheaper at 0.09% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or ESGV?

Over the 5-year period, DSI has performed better with a 12.35% return vs 11.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or ESGV?

ESGV is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSI or ESGV?

DSI and ESGV have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.89%.

What is the main difference between DSI and ESGV?

DSI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ESGV is Large Cap Blend Equities. DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while ESGV tracks FTSE US All Cap Choice Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.09% for ESGV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.67), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.