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MSSMvsESMLETF Comparison
Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) belongs to the US Multi-Factor segment. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is part of the US Small Cap segment. MSSM's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. In contrast, ESML's top sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. MSSM is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.9%, versus 0.17% for ESML. MSSM is up 4.46% year-to-date (YTD) with -$8M in YTD flows. ESML performs worse with 4.05% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of MSSM 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.
MSSM vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | MSSM ESML | -4.26%-4.51% | +3.76%+1.91% | +4.46%+4.05% | +26.21%+25.44% | n/a+48.37% | n/a+30.58% |
| Flows | MSSM ESML | -+$15M | +$7M+$134M | -$8M+$108M | +$49M+$77M | -+$273M | -+$1.19B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | MSSM ESML | +17.20%+16.15% | +22.05%+22.14% | n/a+19.77% | n/a+21.35% |
| Max drawdown | MSSM ESML | -5.51%-5.16% | -16.45%-16.43% | n/a-26.61% | n/a-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | MSSM ESML | 11d12d | 49d46d | n/a296d | n/a980d |
MSSM | ESML | |
Last sale 3/11/2026 at 1:30 PM | $52.42 | $47.76 |
| Previous close 03/10/2026 | $52.52 | $47.84 |
| Consolidated volume 03/10/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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MSSM | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
MSSM | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $52.42 | $47.76 |
| 1D performance | -0.19% | -0.17% |
| AuM | $704.97 M | $2.24 B |
| E/R | 0.9% | 0.17% |
MSSM | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | Morgan Stanley | iShares |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 1919 | 814 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | December 9, 2024 | 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 MSSM and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 9, 2026, MSSM is up 4.46% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 4.05%. That puts MSSM better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: MSSM or ESML?
Year-to-date, the MSSM ETF saw -$8M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: MSSM or ESML?
Over the past year, MSSM had a volatility of 22.05%, while ESML experienced 22.14%.
Which ETF is bigger: MSSM or ESML?
As of March 9, 2026, MSSM holds $704.97 M in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.24 B.
What sectors do the MSSM and ESML ETFs invest in?
MSSM leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the MSSM ETF and ESML ETF?
MSSM top holdings include US04351P1012, TECHNIPFMC PLC and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: MSSM or ESML?
MSSM holds 1968 securities with 10.34% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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