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NUSCvsESMLETF Comparison
NuShares ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belong to the same industry segment: US Small Cap. NUSC's top 3 sector exposures are Financials, Information Technology and Industrials. In contrast, ESML's top sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. NUSC is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.31%, versus 0.17% for ESML. NUSC is up 2.41% year-to-date (YTD) with -$120M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 3.91% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of NUSC 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.
NUSC vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | NUSC ESML | -5.22%-4.41% | -0.77%+0.68% | +2.41%+3.91% | +19.86%+25.45% | +37.77%+51.04% | +15.33%+27.90% |
| Flows | NUSC ESML | +$5M+$15M | -$116M+$129M | -$120M+$108M | -$165M+$77M | -$63M+$267M | +$355M+$1.19B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | NUSC ESML | +16.05%+16.00% | +22.08%+22.14% | +19.76%+19.74% | +21.30%+21.33% |
| Max drawdown | NUSC ESML | -5.66%-5.16% | -16.49%-16.43% | -26.88%-26.61% | -28.74%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | NUSC ESML | 17d13d | 46d46d | 379d296d | 1073d980d |
NUSC | ESML | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $44.66 | $46.77 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $45.71 | $47.76 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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NUSC | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
NUSC | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $44.66 | $46.77 |
| 1D performance | -2.30% | -2.07% |
| AuM | $1.17 B | $2.24 B |
| E/R | 0.31% | 0.17% |
NUSC | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Nuveen | iShares |
| Benchmark | MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small-Cap Index | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 405 | 814 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | December 13, 2016 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | Yes | 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 NUSC and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, NUSC is up 2.41% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 3.91%. That puts ESML better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: NUSC or ESML?
Year-to-date, the NUSC ETF saw -$120M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: NUSC or ESML?
Over the past year, NUSC had a volatility of 22.08%, while ESML experienced 22.14%.
Which ETF is bigger: NUSC or ESML?
As of March 11, 2026, NUSC holds $1.17 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.24 B.
What sectors do the NUSC and ESML ETFs invest in?
NUSC leans toward sectors like Financials, Information Technology and Industrials. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the NUSC ETF and ESML ETF?
NUSC top holdings include TECHNIPFMC PLC, MODERNA INC and EXACT SCIENCES. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: NUSC or ESML?
NUSC holds 412 securities with 14.04% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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