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ESMLvsSMLFETF Comparison
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. ESML is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.17%, versus 0.15% for SMLF. ESML is up 3.91% year-to-date (YTD) with +$108M in YTD flows. SMLF performs worse with 1.81% YTD performance, and +$430M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of ESML and SMLF 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 SMLF performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESML SMLF | -4.41%-4.04% | +0.68%-1.28% | +3.91%+1.81% | +25.45%+24.32% | +51.04%+60.53% | +27.90%+52.80% |
| Flows | ESML SMLF | +$15M+$94M | +$129M+$472M | +$108M+$430M | +$77M+$1.34B | +$267M+$1.84B | +$1.19B+$1.95B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESML SMLF | +16.00%+16.81% | +22.14%+22.59% | +19.74%+19.91% | +21.33%+21.22% |
| Max drawdown | ESML SMLF | -5.16%-5.65% | -16.43%-16.13% | -26.61%-26.10% | -28.52%-26.10% |
| Max drawdown duration | ESML SMLF | 13d48d | 46d46d | 296d266d | 980d266d |
ESML | SMLF | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $46.71 | $74.47 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $47.76 | $76.17 |
| 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 | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $46.71 | $74.47 |
| 1D performance | -2.20% | -2.23% |
| AuM | $2.24 B | $3.30 B |
| E/R | 0.17% | 0.15% |
ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index | STOXX U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor USD Gross Return |
| N° of holdings | 814 | 762 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 10, 2018 | April 28, 2015 |
| 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 SMLF ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, ESML is up 3.91% year-to-date (YTD), while SMLF has returned 1.81%. That puts ESML better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: ESML or SMLF?
Year-to-date, the ESML ETF saw +$108M in flows, compared to +$430M for SMLF.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESML or SMLF?
Over the past year, ESML had a volatility of 22.14%, while SMLF experienced 22.59%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESML or SMLF?
As of March 11, 2026, ESML holds $2.24 B in assets under management (AUM), while SMLF manages $3.30 B.
What sectors do the ESML and SMLF ETFs invest in?
ESML leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, SMLF focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the ESML ETF and SMLF ETF?
ESML top holdings include US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076. SMLF holds in its top three: US80004C2008, EMCOR GROUP and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESML or SMLF?
ESML holds 899 securities with 7.99% of its assets in the top 15. SMLF has 840 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.75%.
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