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SMLFvsESMLETF Comparison
iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) belongs to the US Multi-Factor segment. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is part of the US Small Cap segment. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. SMLF is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.15%, versus 0.17% for ESML. SMLF is up 1.81% year-to-date (YTD) with +$430M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 3.91% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of SMLF 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.
SMLF vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SMLF ESML | -4.04%-4.41% | -1.28%+0.68% | +1.81%+3.91% | +24.32%+25.45% | +60.53%+51.04% | +52.80%+27.90% |
| Flows | SMLF ESML | +$94M+$15M | +$472M+$129M | +$430M+$108M | +$1.34B+$77M | +$1.84B+$267M | +$1.95B+$1.19B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | SMLF ESML | +16.81%+16.00% | +22.59%+22.14% | +19.91%+19.74% | +21.22%+21.33% |
| Max drawdown | SMLF ESML | -5.65%-5.16% | -16.13%-16.43% | -26.10%-26.61% | -26.10%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | SMLF ESML | 48d13d | 46d46d | 266d296d | 266d980d |
SMLF | ESML | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 6:04 PM | $74.91 | $46.99 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $76.17 | $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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SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $74.91 | $46.99 |
| 1D performance | -1.65% | -1.61% |
| AuM | $3.30 B | $2.24 B |
| E/R | 0.15% | 0.17% |
SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Benchmark | STOXX U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor USD Gross Return | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 762 | 814 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 28, 2015 | 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 SMLF and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, SMLF is up 1.81% 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: SMLF or ESML?
Year-to-date, the SMLF ETF saw +$430M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: SMLF or ESML?
Over the past year, SMLF had a volatility of 22.59%, while ESML experienced 22.14%.
Which ETF is bigger: SMLF or ESML?
As of March 11, 2026, SMLF holds $3.30 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.24 B.
What sectors do the SMLF and ESML ETFs invest in?
SMLF leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the SMLF ETF and ESML ETF?
SMLF top holdings include US80004C2008, EMCOR GROUP and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: SMLF or ESML?
SMLF holds 840 securities with 10.75% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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