ESMLvsSMLFETF Comparison
VS
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 11.74% year-to-date (YTD) with +$30M in YTD flows. SMLF performs worse with 10.25% YTD performance, and +$481M 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.
Find out how industry players manage ETF portfolios. Discover our library of Model portfolios
ESML vs SMLF performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/27/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESML SMLF | +11.19%+11.68% | +4.51%+4.33% | +11.74%+10.25% | +38.32%+36.42% | +60.29%+70.71% | +34.85%+60.82% |
| Flows | ESML SMLF | -$8M+$54M | -$12M+$372M | +$30M+$481M | -$6M+$1.36B | +$204M+$1.98B | +$987M+$1.94B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESML SMLF | +18.73%+20.20% | +17.20%+17.53% | +19.72%+19.93% | +21.29%+21.22% |
| Max drawdown | ESML SMLF | -9.05%-8.71% | -9.05%-8.74% | -26.61%-26.10% | -28.52%-26.10% |
| Max drawdown duration | ESML SMLF | 46d46d | 46d81d | 296d266d | 980d266d |
Trading data
ESML | SMLF | |
Last sale 4/28/2026 at 1:30 PM | $50.73 | $81.27 |
| Previous close 04/27/2026 | $51.25 | $82.25 |
| Consolidated volume 04/27/2026 | ||
| 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
Create an account to view replication metrics
Join for free
ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
Advertisement
Main metrics
Last update 4/28/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $50.73 | $81.27 |
| 1D performance | -1.01% | -1.19% |
| AuM | $2.32 B | $3.62 B |
| E/R | 0.17% | 0.15% |
Characteristics
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 | 823 | 792 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 10, 2018 | April 28, 2015 |
| ESG | Yes | No |
Advertisement
Exposure
Countries
ESML
USA
93.72%
Other
6.28%
SMLF
USA
90.67%
Other
9.33%
Sectors
ESML
Industrials
17.15%
Financials
13.64%
Information Techn.
13.18%
Health Care
12.02%
Consumer Discreti.
11.18%
Other
32.83%
SMLF
Industrials
16.29%
Financials
14.3%
Information Techn.
13.5%
Health Care
12.77%
Consumer Discreti.
11.28%
Other
31.87%
Advertisement
Diversification
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
7.53%
SMLF
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
9.95%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of March 31, 2026
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%
SMLF
EMCOR GROUP
1.20%
US0669224778
0.95%
NVENT ELECTRIC PLC
0.76%
JABIL CIRCUIT
0.75%
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP
0.72%
TAPESTRY INC
0.70%
MUELLER INDUSTRIES
0.62%
STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE INC
0.59%
UTD THERAPEUT
0.58%
WILLIAMS SONOMA
0.54%
FLEX LTD
0.53%
INSMED
0.52%
NATERA
0.52%
IDACORP
0.49%
RELIANCE STEEL
0.47%
Frequently asked questions about ESML and SMLF
How have the ESML and SMLF ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 27, 2026, ESML is up 11.74% year-to-date (YTD), while SMLF has returned 10.25%. 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 +$30M in flows, compared to +$481M for SMLF.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESML or SMLF?
Over the past year, ESML had a volatility of 17.2%, while SMLF experienced 17.53%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESML or SMLF?
As of April 27, 2026, ESML holds $2.32 B in assets under management (AUM), while SMLF manages $3.62 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, TECHNIPFMC PLC and US FOODS HOLDING CORP. SMLF holds in its top three: EMCOR GROUP, US0669224778 and NVENT ELECTRIC PLC.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESML or SMLF?
ESML holds 906 securities with 7.53% of its assets in the top 15. SMLF has 892 securities and a top 15 weight of 9.95%.
Advertisement
Advertisement
