Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF vs Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF
Overlap is calculated from each fund's full published holdings list. Where there are no shared listed holdings it is shown as not reliably estimable.
VESG and VGS are highly similar ETFs, with approximately 77% (full holdings data) holdings overlap. Both charge 0.18% p.a.
Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF
Vanguard
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF
Vanguard
Comparison scores reflect how each ETF compares to the other on these specific dimensions only. They are not absolute ratings or recommendations.
Key differences at a glance
Which of VESG and VGS fits depends on your objectives, not on one being superior. Where the two funds differ most:
Category scores compare these two ETFs only and are not absolute ratings.
Both charge about 0.18% p.a.
VGS is the larger fund. Larger is not inherently better, but greater scale can support tighter spreads and lower closure risk.
VESG and VGS offer similar breadth of exposure.
VESG distributes approximately 1.4% and VGS approximately 1.6%; VGS carries the higher estimated distribution yield. A higher yield may suit an income focus; a lower one may suit a growth or tax-efficiency focus. Yields are estimates and are not guaranteed; past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Green highlights the factually lower fee or higher scale/income figure. Performance is never highlighted. Data from issuer disclosures, reviewed quarterly.
Yield figures are estimates based on recent distributions and may vary. Past distributions are not a reliable indicator of future distributions.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Top shared holdings ranked by overlap contribution, the smaller of each company's weight in the two funds. Basis: full holdings data.
Top 10 listed holdings for each fund, from issuer disclosures.
VESG top holdings
VGS top holdings
Based on each fund's most recently published sector and geographic weightings; figures are approximate. Full breakdowns are shown below.
VESG sectors
VGS sectors
VESG geography
VGS geography
Choosing between VESG and VGS depends on your goals, time horizon and current holdings, not on one being the right answer for everyone. The main differences are summarised above, with the complete data below.
VESG and VGS have approximately 77% holdings overlap, based on each fund's full published holdings list. This is considered high overlap.
VESG and VGS charge the same management fee of 0.18% per year.
VESG (Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF) manages approximately $1.4B and VGS (Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF) manages approximately $15.5B. Fund size can affect liquidity and bid-ask spreads but does not by itself change the management fee.
You can hold both, but with approximately 77% estimated holdings overlap the two funds hold a high proportion of the same companies, so holding both means paying two sets of management fees on largely the same exposure. Whether that suits you depends on your own objectives.
There is no universally right choice. It depends on your goals, time horizon and existing holdings. VESG charges 0.18% and VGS charges 0.18%, the same management fee, and they have approximately 77% estimated holdings overlap. Compare their fees, holdings and sectors above and consider each fund's Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination.
General information only.This comparison and the ETFLens tools on this page provide general information about two exchange-traded funds and do not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not personal financial product or investment advice. ETFLens does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Holdings overlap is calculated from each fund's published holdings (full lists where the issuer publishes one, listed top holdings otherwise), and fee data is sourced from fund manager PDS documents and updated quarterly. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider each fund's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), and seek advice from a registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser, before making investment decisions.
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