DFASvsESMLETF Comparison
VS
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 Financials, Industrials 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 10.22% year-to-date (YTD) with +$611M in YTD flows. ESML performs worse with 10.01% YTD performance, and +$30M 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.
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DFAS vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/28/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | DFAS ESML | +10.73%+10.60% | +4.02%+3.24% | +10.22%+10.01% | +33.66%+35.53% | +53.06%+56.22% | n/a+32.78% |
| Flows | DFAS ESML | +$202M-$13M | +$518M-$53M | +$611M+$30M | +$1.76B+$3M | +$5.21B+$204M | -+$987M |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | DFAS ESML | +17.68%+18.88% | +17.17%+17.22% | +19.72%+19.72% | n/a+21.30% |
| Max drawdown | DFAS ESML | -9.26%-9.05% | -9.26%-9.05% | -26.11%-26.61% | n/a-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | DFAS ESML | 66d46d | 66d46d | 373d296d | n/a980d |
Trading data
DFAS | ESML | |
Last sale 4/30/2026 at 4:47 PM | $76.98 | $51.05 |
| Previous close 04/29/2026 | $75.98 | $50.43 |
| Consolidated volume 04/29/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of March 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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DFAS
is actively managed and doesn’t replicate an indexDFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 4/30/2026 at 4:47 PM
Live
Closed
DFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $76.98 | $51.05 |
| 1D performance | +1.32% | +1.23% |
| AuM | $13.92 B | $2.28 B |
| E/R | 0.27% | 0.17% |
Characteristics
DFAS | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | Dimensional | iShares |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 1810 | 823 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | June 14, 2021 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | No | Yes |
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Exposure
Countries
DFAS
USA
87.41%
Other
12.59%
ESML
USA
93.72%
Other
6.28%
Sectors
DFAS
Financials
18.17%
Industrials
18.04%
Consumer Discreti.
12.35%
Information Techn.
11.85%
Health Care
10.3%
Other
29.29%
ESML
Industrials
17.15%
Financials
13.64%
Information Techn.
13.18%
Health Care
12.02%
Consumer Discreti.
11.18%
Other
32.83%
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Diversification
DFAS
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
3.86%
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
7.53%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of March 31, 2026
DFAS
APA CORPORATION
0.29%
STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE INC
0.28%
ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES
0.27%
HECLA MINING
0.27%
MODINE MNFC CO
0.26%
NEW YORK TIMES
0.26%
ALCOA CORP
0.26%
BORGWARNER
0.26%
ENSIGN GROUP
0.25%
JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS
0.25%
WESCO INTL
0.25%
HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES
0.24%
ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH INC
0.24%
AMKOR TECHNOLOGY
0.24%
ANTERO MIDSTREAM CORPORATION
0.24%
ESML
US80004C2008
1.51%
TECHNIPFMC PLC
0.64%
US FOODS HOLDING CORP
0.57%
OVINTIV INC
0.52%
ASSURANT
0.44%
JANUS HENDERSON GROUP PLC
0.43%
XPO LOGISTICS
0.42%
ROYAL GOLD
0.42%
AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES
0.39%
ALBEMARLE
0.39%
ATI INC
0.38%
WOODWARD
0.37%
CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY
0.37%
ONE GAS INC
0.36%
FEDERAL REIT
0.34%
Frequently asked questions about DFAS and ESML
How have the DFAS and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 28, 2026, DFAS is up 10.22% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 10.01%. That puts DFAS better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: DFAS or ESML?
Year-to-date, the DFAS ETF saw +$611M in flows, compared to +$30M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: DFAS or ESML?
Over the past year, DFAS had a volatility of 17.17%, while ESML experienced 17.22%.
Which ETF is bigger: DFAS or ESML?
As of April 28, 2026, DFAS holds $13.92 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.28 B.
What sectors do the DFAS and ESML ETFs invest in?
DFAS leans toward sectors like Financials, Industrials 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 APA CORPORATION, STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE INC and ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, TECHNIPFMC PLC and US FOODS HOLDING CORP.
Which ETF is more diversified: DFAS or ESML?
DFAS holds 1860 securities with 3.86% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 906 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.53%.
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Latest news about DFAS & ESML
Small Caps and Value Stocks Continue to Rally Amid Market Rotation
July 22, 2024
DFAS
Dimensional Fund Advisors Celebrates 3-Year ETF Anniversary
November 8, 2023
DFAS
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