ESGV vs. VWO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ESGV (Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF) and VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGV returned 11.52%/yr vs 4.78%/yr for VWO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESGV charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VWO.

Performance

ESGV vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGV achieves a 7.69% return, which is significantly lower than VWO's 9.82% return.

ESGV

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 7.69%
• 6M: 6.35%
• 1Y: 21.75%
• 3Y*: 20.56%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: —

VWO

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.82%
• 6M: 9.99%
• 1Y: 23.52%
• 3Y*: 17.16%
• 5Y*: 4.78%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

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

ESGV vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	7.69%	16.48%	24.69%	30.79%	-24.04%	26.55%	25.69%	33.36%	-14.45%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	9.82%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-6.02%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGV and VWO 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	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 20, 2018	0.67

The correlation between ESGV and VWO shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (5 years) to 0.74 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESGV vs. VWO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGV	VWO
Technology	43.0%	31.6%
Communication Services	12.2%	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.7%	8.7%
Financial Services	11.4%	16.8%
Healthcare	9.5%	3.4%
Industrials	4.2%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.6%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.8%	7.0%
Utilities	0.2%	2.4%
Energy	0.1%	3.6%

Return for Risk

ESGV vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGV

ESGV Risk / Return Rank: 47
ESGV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
ESGV Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ESGV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ESGV Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
ESGV Martin Ratio Rank: 50

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 45
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

ESGV vs. VWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). 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.

	ESGV	VWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.41	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	1.97	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.27	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	2.12	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.84	7.43	+0.41

ESGV vs. VWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGV Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the VWO Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGV and VWO, 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

ESGV vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGV drawdown since its inception was -33.66%, smaller than the maximum VWO drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGV and VWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGV	VWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.66%	-67.68%	+34.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.60%	-11.17%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.41%	-17.37%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.81%	-32.60%	+3.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.61%	-3.71%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.40%	-15.79%	+9.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	3.17%	-0.39%

Volatility

ESGV vs. VWO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) is 5.59%, while Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) has a volatility of 7.39%. This indicates that ESGV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VWO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGV	VWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	7.39%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.22%	14.61%	-3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.12%	16.94%	-2.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	17.58%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.59%	19.17%	+1.42%

ESGV vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGV has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VWO's 0.08% 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

ESGV vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

ESGV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, less than VWO's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.35%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGV and VWO in my portfolio?

ESGV and VWO 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, ESGV or VWO?

VWO has higher volatility (7.39%) compared to ESGV (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGV dropped -33.66% vs VWO's -67.68%.

Which ETF is better, ESGV or VWO?

On 5-year performance, ESGV leads with 11.52% vs 4.78% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, ESGV has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGV or VWO?

Over the 5-year period, ESGV has performed better with a 11.52% return vs 4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGV or VWO?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for ESGV.

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

VWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 0.89% for ESGV.

What is the main difference between ESGV and VWO?

ESGV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VWO is Emerging Markets Equities. ESGV tracks FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for ESGV and 0.08% for VWO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.41), 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.