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DFASvsESMLETF Comparison
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belong to the same industry segment: US Small Cap. DFAS's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Consumer Discretionary. In contrast, ESML's top sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. DFAS is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.27%, versus 0.17% for ESML. DFAS is up 3.1% year-to-date (YTD) with +$385M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 3.91% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of DFAS and ESML below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
DFAS vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | DFAS ESML | -5.85%-4.41% | +0.78%+0.68% | +3.10%+3.91% | +21.15%+25.45% | +41.49%+51.04% | n/a+27.90% |
| Flows | DFAS ESML | +$227M+$15M | +$523M+$129M | +$385M+$108M | +$1.82B+$77M | +$5.01B+$267M | -+$1.19B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | DFAS ESML | +15.91%+16.00% | +21.92%+22.14% | +19.87%+19.74% | n/a+21.33% |
| Max drawdown | DFAS ESML | -5.87%-5.16% | -15.55%-16.43% | -26.11%-26.61% | n/a-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | DFAS ESML | 29d13d | 46d46d | 373d296d | n/a980d |
DFAS | ESML | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 4:27 PM | $70.83 | $47.10 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $71.72 | $47.76 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
DFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
DFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $70.83 | $47.10 |
| 1D performance | -1.24% | -1.38% |
| AuM | $12.82 B | $2.24 B |
| E/R | 0.27% | 0.17% |
DFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | Dimensional | iShares |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 1820 | 814 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | June 14, 2021 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | No | Yes |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the DFAS and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 10, 2026, DFAS is up 3.1% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 3.91%. That puts ESML better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: DFAS or ESML?
Year-to-date, the DFAS ETF saw +$385M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: DFAS or ESML?
Over the past year, DFAS had a volatility of 21.92%, while ESML experienced 22.14%.
Which ETF is bigger: DFAS or ESML?
As of March 10, 2026, DFAS holds $12.82 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.24 B.
What sectors do the DFAS and ESML ETFs invest in?
DFAS leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Consumer Discretionary. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the DFAS ETF and ESML ETF?
DFAS top holdings include KRATOS DEFENSE AND SECURITY SOLS, HECLA MINING and MUELLER INDUSTRIES. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: DFAS or ESML?
DFAS holds 1868 securities with 4.13% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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