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ESMLvsMSSMETF Comparison
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. ESML's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. In contrast, MSSM's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. ESML is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.17%, versus 0.9% for MSSM. ESML is up 4.05% year-to-date (YTD) with +$108M in YTD flows. MSSM performs better with 4.46% YTD performance, and -$8M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of ESML and MSSM below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
ESML vs MSSM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESML MSSM | -4.51%-4.26% | +1.91%+3.76% | +4.05%+4.46% | +25.44%+26.21% | +48.37%n/a | +30.58%n/a |
| Flows | ESML MSSM | +$15M- | +$134M+$7M | +$108M-$8M | +$77M+$49M | +$273M- | +$1.19B- |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESML MSSM | +16.15%+17.20% | +22.14%+22.05% | +19.77%n/a | +21.35%n/a |
| Max drawdown | ESML MSSM | -5.16%-5.51% | -16.43%-16.45% | -26.61%n/a | -28.52%n/a |
| Max drawdown duration | ESML MSSM | 12d11d | 46d49d | 296dn/a | 980dn/a |
ESML | MSSM | |
Last sale 3/11/2026 at 1:30 PM | $47.76 | $52.42 |
| Previous close 03/10/2026 | $47.84 | $52.52 |
| Consolidated volume 03/10/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
ESML | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
ESML | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $47.76 | $52.42 |
| 1D performance | -0.17% | -0.19% |
| AuM | $2.24 B | $704.97 M |
| E/R | 0.17% | 0.9% |
ESML | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Active |
| Provider | iShares | Morgan Stanley |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index | - |
| N° of holdings | 814 | 1919 |
| Asset class | Equities | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 10, 2018 | December 9, 2024 |
| ESG | Yes | No |
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 ESML and MSSM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 10, 2026, ESML is up 4.05% year-to-date (YTD), while MSSM has returned 4.46%. That puts MSSM better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: ESML or MSSM?
Year-to-date, the ESML ETF saw +$108M in flows, compared to -$8M for MSSM.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESML or MSSM?
Over the past year, ESML had a volatility of 22.14%, while MSSM experienced 22.05%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESML or MSSM?
As of March 10, 2026, ESML holds $2.24 B in assets under management (AUM), while MSSM manages $704.97 M.
What sectors do the ESML and MSSM ETFs invest in?
ESML leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, MSSM focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Financials.
What are the top holdings of the ESML ETF and MSSM ETF?
ESML top holdings include US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076. MSSM holds in its top three: US04351P1012, TECHNIPFMC PLC and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESML or MSSM?
ESML holds 899 securities with 7.99% of its assets in the top 15. MSSM has 1968 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.34%.
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