ESMLvsSMLFETF Comparison
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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, Information Technology and Financials. ESML is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.17%, versus 0.15% for SMLF. ESML is up 18.63% year-to-date (YTD) with +$390M in YTD flows. SMLF performs worse with 16.49% YTD performance, and +$702M 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.
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ESML vs SMLF performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 06/12/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESML SMLF | +5.01%+4.58% | +16.60%+17.02% | +18.63%+16.49% | +34.96%+32.12% | +60.65%+71.08% | +42.68%+69.38% |
| Flows | ESML SMLF | +$361M+$163M | +$282M+$272M | +$390M+$702M | +$384M+$1.54B | +$577M+$2.24B | +$1.23B+$2.14B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESML SMLF | +18.39%+19.54% | +17.18%+17.65% | +19.63%+19.89% | +21.33%+21.25% |
| Max drawdown | ESML SMLF | -4.12%-4.58% | -9.05%-8.74% | -26.61%-26.10% | -28.52%-26.10% |
| Max drawdown duration | ESML SMLF | 16d16d | 46d81d | 296d266d | 980d266d |
Trading data
ESML | SMLF | |
Last sale 6/15/2026 at 1:53 PM | $55.14 | $87.63 |
| Previous close 06/12/2026 | $54.41 | $86.88 |
| Consolidated volume 06/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of May 29, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 6/15/2026 at 1:53 PM
Live
Closed
ESML | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $55.14 | $87.63 |
| 1D performance | +1.34% | +0.86% |
| AuM | $2.83 B | $4.05 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 | 818 | 787 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 10, 2018 | April 28, 2015 |
| ESG | Yes | No |
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Exposure
Countries
ESML
USA
93.7%
Other
6.3%
SMLF
USA
90.33%
Other
9.67%
Sectors
ESML
Industrials
17.49%
Information Techn.
13.9%
Financials
13.45%
Health Care
11.24%
Consumer Discreti.
10.94%
Other
32.97%
SMLF
Industrials
17.08%
Information Techn.
14.57%
Financials
14.28%
Health Care
11.57%
Consumer Discreti.
11.07%
Other
31.42%
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Diversification
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
8.32%
SMLF
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
10.31%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of April 30, 2026
ESML
US80004C2008
2.40%
TECHNIPFMC PLC
0.64%
US FOODS HOLDING CORP
0.53%
OVINTIV INC
0.49%
XPO LOGISTICS
0.44%
ASSURANT
0.43%
FABRINET
0.40%
JANUS HENDERSON GROUP PLC
0.39%
ALBEMARLE
0.39%
NVENT ELECTRIC PLC
0.38%
WESCO INTL
0.38%
MICHAEL STORES
0.37%
ATI INC
0.37%
CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY
0.37%
ROYAL GOLD
0.35%
SMLF
EMCOR GROUP
1.34%
JABIL CIRCUIT
0.88%
NVENT ELECTRIC PLC
0.85%
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP
0.78%
US0669224778
0.71%
MUELLER INDUSTRIES
0.70%
STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE INC
0.69%
FLEX LTD
0.69%
TAPESTRY INC
0.67%
RELIANCE STEEL
0.52%
UTD THERAPEUT
0.51%
WILLIAMS SONOMA
0.50%
ARGAN
0.50%
NATERA
0.50%
POPULAR
0.48%
Frequently asked questions about ESML and SMLF
How have the ESML and SMLF ETFs performed in 2026?
As of June 12, 2026, ESML is up 18.63% year-to-date (YTD), while SMLF has returned 16.49%. 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 +$390M in flows, compared to +$702M for SMLF.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESML or SMLF?
Over the past year, ESML had a volatility of 17.18%, while SMLF experienced 17.65%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESML or SMLF?
As of June 12, 2026, ESML holds $2.83 B in assets under management (AUM), while SMLF manages $4.05 B.
What sectors do the ESML and SMLF ETFs invest in?
ESML leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, SMLF focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Financials.
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, JABIL CIRCUIT and NVENT ELECTRIC PLC.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESML or SMLF?
ESML holds 901 securities with 8.32% of its assets in the top 15. SMLF has 887 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.31%.
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