ESGB vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESGB (IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ESGB returned 5.33% vs 5.91% for VPLS. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESGB charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

ESGB vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGB achieves a 0.50% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.64% return.

ESGB

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 5.33%
• 3Y*: 5.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 5.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESGB vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	0.50%	7.76%	4.19%	2.50%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.64%	7.86%	2.72%	2.82%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGB and VPLS is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.84

The correlation between ESGB and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGB vs. VPLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGB	VPLS
Financial Services	0.2%	0.9%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Technology	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESGB vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGB

ESGB Risk / Return Rank: 41
ESGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
ESGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ESGB Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ESGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ESGB Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 45
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

ESGB vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	ESGB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.63	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.42	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	2.18	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.28	7.10	-0.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESGB vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGB Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGB and VPLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESGB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.63	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	1.24	-1.08

Drawdowns

ESGB vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGB drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGB and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGB	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-4.17%	-14.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.60%	-2.72%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-1.21%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.08%	-1.01%	-6.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	0.83%	+0.02%

Volatility

ESGB vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) have volatilities of 1.28% and 1.27%, 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

	ESGB	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	1.27%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	2.69%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.74%	3.65%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	4.61%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	4.61%	+0.43%

ESGB vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGB has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGB vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

ESGB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.50%, more than VPLS's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	5.50%	5.46%	5.40%	4.82%	3.17%	0.95%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.76%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGB and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, ESGB and VPLS 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, ESGB or VPLS?

ESGB has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to VPLS (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGB dropped -18.96% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, ESGB or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.91% vs 5.33% for ESGB. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% 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, ESGB or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.91% return vs 5.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGB or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ESGB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGB or VPLS?

ESGB has the higher dividend yield at 5.50%, compared with 4.76% for VPLS.

What is the main difference between ESGB and VPLS?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ESGB and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.43), 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.