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ESMLvsSMDXETF Comparison
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. ESML's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. In contrast, SMDX's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. ESML is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.17%, versus 0.35% for SMDX. ESML is up 3.91% year-to-date (YTD) with +$108M in YTD flows. SMDX performs better with 3.92% YTD performance, and +$246K in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of ESML and SMDX 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 SMDX performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESML SMDX | -4.41%-4.91% | +0.68%+1.27% | +3.91%+3.92% | +25.45%+26.69% | +51.04%n/a | +27.90%n/a |
| Flows | ESML SMDX | +$15M-$17K | +$129M+$2M | +$108M+$246K | +$77M+$50M | +$267M- | +$1.19B- |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESML SMDX | +16.00%+15.35% | +22.14%+21.21% | +19.74%n/a | +21.33%n/a |
| Max drawdown | ESML SMDX | -5.16%-5.33% | -16.43%-14.46% | -26.61%n/a | -28.52%n/a |
| Max drawdown duration | ESML SMDX | 13d30d | 46d46d | 296dn/a | 980dn/a |
ESML | SMDX | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $46.71 | $23.72 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $47.76 | $23.72 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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ESML | SMDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
ESML | SMDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $46.71 | $23.72 |
| 1D performance | -2.20% | -0.00% |
| AuM | $2.24 B | $116.19 M |
| E/R | 0.17% | 0.35% |
ESML | SMDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Active |
| Provider | iShares | Intech Investment Management |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index | - |
| N° of holdings | 814 | 507 |
| Asset class | Equities | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 10, 2018 | February 27, 2025 |
| 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 SMDX ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, ESML is up 3.91% year-to-date (YTD), while SMDX has returned 3.92%. That puts SMDX better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: ESML or SMDX?
Year-to-date, the ESML ETF saw +$108M in flows, compared to +$246K for SMDX.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESML or SMDX?
Over the past year, ESML had a volatility of 22.14%, while SMDX experienced 21.21%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESML or SMDX?
As of March 11, 2026, ESML holds $2.24 B in assets under management (AUM), while SMDX manages $116.19 M.
What sectors do the ESML and SMDX ETFs invest in?
ESML leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, SMDX focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Financials.
What are the top holdings of the ESML ETF and SMDX ETF?
ESML top holdings include US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076. SMDX holds in its top three: CIENA, JONES LANG LASALLE and EAST WEST BANCORP.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESML or SMDX?
ESML holds 899 securities with 7.99% of its assets in the top 15. SMDX has 527 securities and a top 15 weight of 16.15%.
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