ESGD vs. NULC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ESGD (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF) and NULC (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index, while NULC is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGD returned 8.11%/yr vs 10.62%/yr for NULC. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

ESGD vs. NULC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGD achieves a 8.26% return, which is significantly lower than NULC's 11.42% return.

ESGD

• 1D: -2.14%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 8.26%
• 6M: 7.92%
• 1Y: 20.95%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: —

NULC

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 11.42%
• 6M: 10.52%
• 1Y: 24.81%
• 3Y*: 19.66%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

ESGD vs. NULC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ESGD iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF	8.26%	29.63%	3.95%	18.53%	-15.17%	11.79%	8.20%	13.43%
NULC Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF	11.42%	16.29%	18.71%	22.54%	-20.18%	25.69%	22.51%	6.17%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGD and NULC is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2019	0.78

The correlation between ESGD and NULC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGD vs. NULC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGD	NULC
Financial Services	26.6%	17.1%
Industrials	18.4%	9.5%
Technology	13.2%	30.1%
Healthcare	9.5%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	7.6%
Basic Materials	5.6%	2.1%
Communication Services	4.2%	9.2%
Utilities	3.6%	2.2%
Energy	3.4%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.6%	2.2%

Return for Risk

ESGD vs. NULC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGD

ESGD Risk / Return Rank: 39
ESGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ESGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ESGD Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ESGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
ESGD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

NULC

NULC Risk / Return Rank: 61
NULC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
NULC Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
NULC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
NULC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
NULC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

ESGD vs. NULC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC). 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.

	ESGD	NULC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.87	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	2.56	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.33	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.80	2.80	-0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.72	11.61	-4.89

ESGD vs. NULC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGD Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the NULC Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGD and NULC, 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

ESGD vs. NULC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGD drawdown since its inception was -33.70%, roughly equal to the maximum NULC drawdown of -34.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGD and NULC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGD	NULC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.70%	-34.86%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.68%	-8.91%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.86%	-18.53%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-27.90%	-2.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	-2.91%	+0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-6.42%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	2.14%	+0.98%

Volatility

ESGD vs. NULC - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) has a higher volatility of 5.48% compared to Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) at 5.02%. This indicates that ESGD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NULC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGD	NULC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	5.02%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.45%	10.57%	+2.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.86%	13.34%	+2.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	16.95%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	19.98%	-2.98%

ESGD vs. NULC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ESGD and NULC have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ESGD vs. NULC - Dividend Comparison

ESGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, less than NULC's 9.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESGD iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF	3.38%	3.60%	3.23%	3.02%	2.59%	2.75%	1.63%	2.57%	2.69%	2.65%	0.09%
NULC Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF	9.13%	10.17%	1.86%	1.32%	2.37%	6.14%	4.07%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGD and NULC in my portfolio?

ESGD and NULC have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGD or NULC?

ESGD has higher volatility (5.48%) compared to NULC (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGD dropped -33.70% vs NULC's -34.86%.

Which ETF is better, ESGD or NULC?

On 5-year performance, NULC leads with 10.62% vs 8.11% for ESGD. Both ETFs have the same 0.20% expense ratio. On volatility, NULC has been the lower-risk option at 5.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGD or NULC?

Over the 5-year period, NULC has performed better with a 10.62% return vs 8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGD or NULC?

ESGD and NULC have the same expense ratio: 0.20% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGD or NULC?

NULC has the higher dividend yield at 9.13%, compared with 3.38% for ESGD.

What is the main difference between ESGD and NULC?

ESGD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while NULC is Large Cap Growth Equities. ESGD tracks MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index, while NULC tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Nuveen.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NULC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.33), 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.