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FNXvsESMLETF Comparison
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FNX) belongs to the US Multi-Factor segment. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is part of the US Small Cap segment. FNX's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Consumer Discretionary. In contrast, ESML's top sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. FNX is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.62%, versus 0.17% for ESML. FNX is up 1.08% year-to-date (YTD) with +$21M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 1.74% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of FNX and ESML below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
FNX vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FNX ESML | -5.79%-4.91% | -0.94%-0.15% | +1.08%+1.74% | +19.84%+22.74% | +51.83%+47.88% | +40.43%+24.30% |
| Flows | FNX ESML | +$14M+$15M | +$21M+$120M | +$21M+$108M | -$107M+$77M | -$155M+$267M | -$11M+$1.18B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | FNX ESML | +15.52%+16.37% | +21.60%+22.25% | +19.27%+19.77% | +20.85%+21.35% |
| Max drawdown | FNX ESML | -7.62%-6.97% | -15.29%-16.43% | -25.04%-26.61% | -25.04%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | FNX ESML | 30d14d | 46d46d | 289d296d | 289d980d |
FNX | ESML | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $126.96 | $46.65 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $127.23 | $46.77 |
| 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
FNX | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
FNX | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $126.96 | $46.65 |
| 1D performance | -0.21% | -0.26% |
| AuM | $1.20 B | $2.19 B |
| E/R | 0.62% | 0.17% |
FNX | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | First Trust | iShares |
| Benchmark | NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Core Index | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 419 | 814 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | May 8, 2007 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | No | Yes |
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 FNX and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, FNX is up 1.08% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 1.74%. That puts ESML better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: FNX or ESML?
Year-to-date, the FNX ETF saw +$21M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: FNX or ESML?
Over the past year, FNX had a volatility of 21.6%, while ESML experienced 22.25%.
Which ETF is bigger: FNX or ESML?
As of March 12, 2026, FNX holds $1.20 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.19 B.
What sectors do the FNX and ESML ETFs invest in?
FNX leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Consumer Discretionary. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the FNX ETF and ESML ETF?
FNX top holdings include BLOOM ENERGY CORP, AST SPACEMOBILE and TTM TECHNOLOGIES. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: FNX or ESML?
FNX holds 448 securities with 6.69% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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