ESGV vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESGV (Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGV returned 12.64%/yr vs 8.46%/yr for VXUS. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESGV charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

ESGV vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGV achieves a 10.74% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return.

ESGV

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 6.08%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 28.04%
• 3Y*: 22.27%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

ESGV vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	10.74%	16.48%	24.69%	30.79%	-24.04%	26.55%	25.69%	33.36%	-14.59%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-12.30%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGV and VXUS is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2018	0.79

The correlation between ESGV and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGV vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGV	VXUS
Technology	39.5%	18.1%
Communication Services	13.0%	4.4%
Financial Services	12.3%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	8.4%
Healthcare	9.8%	7.1%
Industrials	4.5%	16.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	5.0%
Real Estate	2.8%	2.6%
Basic Materials	1.9%	7.6%
Utilities	0.2%	3.2%
Energy	0.1%	5.2%

Return for Risk

ESGV vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGV

ESGV Risk / Return Rank: 58
ESGV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ESGV Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ESGV Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ESGV Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ESGV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	ESGV	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.12	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.90	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.85	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	11.14	-0.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESGV vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGV Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGV and VXUS, 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

	ESGV	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	2.12	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.53	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.39	+0.34

Drawdowns

ESGV vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGV drawdown since its inception was -33.66%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGV and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGV	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.66%	-35.97%	+2.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.60%	-11.27%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.41%	-13.58%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.81%	-29.44%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-0.99%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.43%	-8.22%	+1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.88%	-0.18%

Volatility

ESGV vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) is 3.37%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that ESGV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGV	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	5.60%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.18%	13.00%	-2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.35%	15.21%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.35%	16.05%	+2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.58%	17.16%	+3.42%

ESGV vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGV has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

ESGV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, less than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	0.85%	0.91%	1.04%	1.16%	1.42%	0.95%	1.11%	1.27%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGV and VXUS in my portfolio?

ESGV and VXUS have a correlation of 0.79, 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to ESGV (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGV dropped -33.66% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, ESGV or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, ESGV leads with 12.64% vs 8.46% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, ESGV has been the lower-risk option at 3.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGV or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, ESGV has performed better with a 12.64% return vs 8.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGV or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for ESGV.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.85% for ESGV.

What is the main difference between ESGV and VXUS?

ESGV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. ESGV tracks FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for ESGV and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 2.11), 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.