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ESMVvsQLVETF Comparison
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund ETF
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) belongs to the US Low Volatility segment. FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund ETF (QLV) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. ESMV's top 3 sector exposures are Information Technology, Health Care and Consumer Staples. In contrast, QLV's top sector exposures are Information Technology, Health Care and Financials. ESMV is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.18%, versus 0.09% for QLV. ESMV is up 0.3% year-to-date (YTD) with - in YTD flows. QLV performs better with 2.54% YTD performance, and +$2M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of ESMV and QLV below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
ESMV vs QLV performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ESMV QLV | -1.11%-1.22% | +0.15%+2.24% | +0.30%+2.54% | +4.60%+14.89% | +38.21%+58.43% | n/a+72.20% |
| Flows | ESMV QLV | -+$2M | -+$4M | -+$2M | -$1M+$5M | -$875K-$90M | --$56M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ESMV QLV | +8.00%+6.41% | +12.66%+12.52% | +10.76%+10.58% | n/a+13.06% |
| Max drawdown | ESMV QLV | -3.36%-1.98% | -9.36%-9.90% | -12.08%-11.95% | n/a-18.21% |
| Max drawdown duration | ESMV QLV | 11d9d | 43d48d | 423d186d | n/a712d |
ESMV | QLV | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $28.91 | $73.42 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $29.14 | $73.82 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
ESMV | QLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
ESMV | QLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $28.91 | $73.42 |
| 1D performance | -0.80% | -0.55% |
| AuM | $7.23 M | $149.53 M |
| E/R | 0.18% | 0.09% |
ESMV | QLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | FlexShares |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Extended ESG Reduced Carbon Target Index | Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index |
| N° of holdings | 154 | 107 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | November 4, 2021 | July 16, 2019 |
| 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 ESMV and QLV ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, ESMV is up 0.3% year-to-date (YTD), while QLV has returned 2.54%. That puts QLV better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: ESMV or QLV?
Year-to-date, the ESMV ETF saw - in flows, compared to +$2M for QLV.
Which ETF is more volatile: ESMV or QLV?
Over the past year, ESMV had a volatility of 12.66%, while QLV experienced 12.52%.
Which ETF is bigger: ESMV or QLV?
As of March 12, 2026, ESMV holds $7.23 M in assets under management (AUM), while QLV manages $149.53 M.
What sectors do the ESMV and QLV ETFs invest in?
ESMV leans toward sectors like Information Technology, Health Care and Consumer Staples. Meanwhile, QLV focuses on Information Technology, Health Care and Financials.
What are the top holdings of the ESMV ETF and QLV ETF?
ESMV top holdings include NORTHROP GRUMMAN, NEWMONT CORP and MERCK & CO INC. QLV holds in its top three: NVIDIA, MICROSOFT-T and APPLE.
Which ETF is more diversified: ESMV or QLV?
ESMV holds 160 securities with 23.62% of its assets in the top 15. QLV has 108 securities and a top 15 weight of 42.1%.
Dan Philips on a Quality Low Volatility Approach
Michael Natale with FlexShares
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