ESMV vs. BLCR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESMV (iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and BLCR (Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. ESMV is passively managed, while BLCR is actively managed. Over the past year, ESMV returned 6.76% vs 47.09% for BLCR. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESMV charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for BLCR.

Performance

ESMV vs. BLCR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) and Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF (BLCR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESMV achieves a 5.28% return, which is significantly lower than BLCR's 19.56% return.

ESMV

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 5.28%
• 6M: 5.39%
• 1Y: 6.76%
• 3Y*: 11.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BLCR

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 6.16%
• YTD: 19.56%
• 6M: 21.53%
• 1Y: 47.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESMV vs. BLCR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ESMV iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	5.28%	5.34%	13.06%	12.14%
BLCR Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF	19.56%	30.93%	17.07%	14.18%

Correlation

The correlation between ESMV and BLCR is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2023	0.60

The correlation between ESMV and BLCR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ESMV vs. BLCR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESMV

ESMV Risk / Return Rank: 21
ESMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
ESMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
ESMV Omega Ratio Rank: 20
ESMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
ESMV Martin Ratio Rank: 23

BLCR

BLCR Risk / Return Rank: 87
BLCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
BLCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
BLCR Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BLCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
BLCR Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

ESMV vs. BLCR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) and Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF (BLCR). 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.

	ESMV	BLCR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	3.05	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	4.02	-3.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.52	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	4.61	-3.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.97	21.86	-18.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESMV vs. BLCR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is lower than the BLCR Sharpe Ratio of 3.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESMV and BLCR, 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

	ESMV	BLCR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67	3.05	-2.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	1.90	-1.46

Drawdowns

ESMV vs. BLCR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESMV drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum BLCR drawdown of -21.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESMV and BLCR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESMV	BLCR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-21.29%	+1.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.01%	-10.26%	+3.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.37%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.33%	-2.19%	-3.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	2.16%	+0.12%

Volatility

ESMV vs. BLCR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) is 2.25%, while Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF (BLCR) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that ESMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BLCR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESMV	BLCR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.25%	4.45%	-2.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.26%	12.24%	-5.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.06%	15.54%	-5.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.24%	17.47%	-4.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.24%	17.47%	-4.23%

ESMV vs. BLCR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESMV has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than BLCR's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESMV vs. BLCR - Dividend Comparison

ESMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.58%, more than BLCR's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BLCR Blackrock Large Cap Core ETF	0.23%	0.33%	0.75%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%
ESMV iShares ESG MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.58%	1.56%	1.71%	1.75%	1.66%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESMV and BLCR in my portfolio?

ESMV and BLCR have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESMV or BLCR?

BLCR has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to ESMV (2.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESMV dropped -19.77% vs BLCR's -21.29%.

Which ETF is better, ESMV or BLCR?

On 1-year performance, BLCR leads with 47.09% vs 6.76% for ESMV. On fees, ESMV is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, ESMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESMV or BLCR?

Over the 1-year period, BLCR has performed better with a 47.09% return vs 6.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESMV or BLCR?

ESMV is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for BLCR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESMV or BLCR?

ESMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.58%, compared with 0.23% for BLCR.

What is the main difference between ESMV and BLCR?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and BlackRock. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for ESMV and 0.36% for BLCR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLCR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.05 vs 0.67), 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.