ESGG vs. IQDY

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ESGG (FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund) and IQDY (FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the STOXX Global ESG Select KPIs Index, while IQDY is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ESGG returned 13.86%/yr vs 11.32%/yr for IQDY. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESGG charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IQDY.

Performance

ESGG vs. IQDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) and FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGG achieves a 13.53% return, which is significantly lower than IQDY's 16.48% return. Over the past 10 years, ESGG has outperformed IQDY with an annualized return of 13.86%, while IQDY has yielded a comparatively lower 11.32% annualized return.

ESGG

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 0.70%
• 6M: 11.57%
• YTD: 13.53%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 19.55%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: 13.86%

IQDY

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: -1.41%
• 6M: 12.17%
• YTD: 16.48%
• 1Y: 34.04%
• 3Y*: 22.02%
• 5Y*: 12.00%
• 10Y*: 11.32%

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

ESGG vs. IQDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESGG FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund	13.53%	24.01%	14.48%	25.57%	-18.66%	23.76%	17.32%	29.10%	-8.44%	23.60%
IQDY FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund	16.48%	37.44%	5.97%	23.45%	-15.78%	12.00%	9.54%	27.27%	-20.04%	24.06%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGG and IQDY is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2016	0.78

The correlation between ESGG and IQDY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGG vs. IQDY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGG	IQDY
Technology	40.5%	21.3%
Financial Services	19.5%	25.5%
Healthcare	13.1%	5.3%
Industrials	6.6%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	8.7%
Energy	3.8%	6.6%
Basic Materials	2.2%	7.9%
Utilities	1.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.2%
Communication Services	1.4%	3.3%

Return for Risk

ESGG vs. IQDY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGG

ESGG Risk / Return Rank: 74
ESGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
ESGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ESGG Omega Ratio Rank: 74
ESGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
ESGG Martin Ratio Rank: 77

IQDY

IQDY Risk / Return Rank: 77
IQDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
IQDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
IQDY Omega Ratio Rank: 77
IQDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
IQDY Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

ESGG vs. IQDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) and FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY). 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.

	ESGG	IQDY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.97	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.64	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	3.28	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.53	12.19	-0.66

ESGG vs. IQDY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the IQDY Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGG and IQDY, 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

ESGG vs. IQDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGG drawdown since its inception was -32.31%, smaller than the maximum IQDY drawdown of -39.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGG and IQDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGG	IQDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.31%	-39.60%	+7.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-10.42%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.71%	-14.76%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-32.30%	+4.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.31%	-39.60%	+7.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-4.10%	+2.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-9.05%	+4.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	2.80%	-0.65%

Volatility

ESGG vs. IQDY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) is 4.24%, while FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY) has a volatility of 6.88%. This indicates that ESGG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQDY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGG	IQDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	6.88%	-2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	15.29%	-4.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.88%	17.38%	-4.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	18.05%	-1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.23%	-1.72%

ESGG vs. IQDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGG has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than IQDY's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGG vs. IQDY - Dividend Comparison

ESGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than IQDY's 3.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESGG FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund	1.30%	1.39%	1.84%	1.73%	1.83%	1.34%	1.36%	1.94%	2.12%	1.71%	0.87%	0.00%
IQDY FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund	3.01%	3.26%	6.95%	6.45%	5.52%	3.89%	2.62%	3.85%	5.97%	3.57%	3.77%	4.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGG and IQDY in my portfolio?

ESGG and IQDY have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGG or IQDY?

IQDY has higher volatility (6.88%) compared to ESGG (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGG dropped -32.31% vs IQDY's -39.60%.

Which ETF is better, ESGG or IQDY?

On 10-year performance, ESGG leads with 13.86% vs 11.32% for IQDY. On fees, ESGG is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, ESGG has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGG or IQDY?

Over the 10-year period, ESGG has performed better with a 13.86% return vs 11.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGG or IQDY?

ESGG is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IQDY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGG or IQDY?

IQDY has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 1.30% for ESGG.

What is the main difference between ESGG and IQDY?

ESGG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IQDY is Foreign Large Cap Equities. ESGG tracks STOXX Global ESG Select KPIs Index, while IQDY tracks Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for ESGG and 0.47% for IQDY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQDY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.93), 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.