SMLFvsESMLETF Comparison
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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 8.09% year-to-date (YTD) with +$489M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 10.01% YTD performance, and +$30M 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.
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SMLF vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/29/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SMLF ESML | +10.45%+10.60% | +2.79%+3.24% | +8.09%+10.01% | +33.06%+35.53% | +66.00%+56.22% | +57.38%+32.78% |
| Flows | SMLF ESML | +$48M-$13M | +$380M-$53M | +$489M+$30M | +$1.37B+$3M | +$1.98B+$204M | +$1.95B+$987M |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | SMLF ESML | +20.41%+18.88% | +17.56%+17.22% | +19.94%+19.72% | +21.23%+21.30% |
| Max drawdown | SMLF ESML | -8.71%-9.05% | -8.74%-9.05% | -26.10%-26.61% | -26.10%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | SMLF ESML | 46d46d | 81d46d | 266d296d | 266d980d |
Trading data
SMLF | ESML | |
Last sale 4/30/2026 at 4:48 PM | $81.89 | $51.05 |
| Previous close 04/29/2026 | $80.65 | $50.43 |
| Consolidated volume 04/29/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of March 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 4/30/2026 at 4:48 PM
Live
Closed
SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $81.89 | $51.05 |
| 1D performance | +1.53% | +1.23% |
| AuM | $3.56 B | $2.28 B |
| E/R | 0.15% | 0.17% |
Characteristics
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 | 792 | 823 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 28, 2015 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | No | Yes |
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Exposure
Countries
SMLF
USA
90.67%
Other
9.33%
ESML
USA
93.72%
Other
6.28%
Sectors
SMLF
Industrials
16.29%
Financials
14.3%
Information Techn.
13.5%
Health Care
12.77%
Consumer Discreti.
11.28%
Other
31.87%
ESML
Industrials
17.15%
Financials
13.64%
Information Techn.
13.18%
Health Care
12.02%
Consumer Discreti.
11.18%
Other
32.83%
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Diversification
SMLF
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
9.95%
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
7.53%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of March 31, 2026
SMLF
EMCOR GROUP
1.20%
US0669224778
0.95%
NVENT ELECTRIC PLC
0.76%
JABIL CIRCUIT
0.75%
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP
0.72%
TAPESTRY INC
0.70%
MUELLER INDUSTRIES
0.62%
STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE INC
0.59%
UTD THERAPEUT
0.58%
WILLIAMS SONOMA
0.54%
FLEX LTD
0.53%
INSMED
0.52%
NATERA
0.52%
IDACORP
0.49%
RELIANCE STEEL
0.47%
ESML
US80004C2008
1.51%
TECHNIPFMC PLC
0.64%
US FOODS HOLDING CORP
0.57%
OVINTIV INC
0.52%
ASSURANT
0.44%
JANUS HENDERSON GROUP PLC
0.43%
XPO LOGISTICS
0.42%
ROYAL GOLD
0.42%
AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES
0.39%
ALBEMARLE
0.39%
ATI INC
0.38%
WOODWARD
0.37%
CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY
0.37%
ONE GAS INC
0.36%
FEDERAL REIT
0.34%
Frequently asked questions about SMLF and ESML
How have the SMLF and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 29, 2026, SMLF is up 8.09% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 10.01%. 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 +$489M in flows, compared to +$30M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: SMLF or ESML?
Over the past year, SMLF had a volatility of 17.56%, while ESML experienced 17.22%.
Which ETF is bigger: SMLF or ESML?
As of April 29, 2026, SMLF holds $3.56 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.28 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 EMCOR GROUP, US0669224778 and NVENT ELECTRIC PLC. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, TECHNIPFMC PLC and US FOODS HOLDING CORP.
Which ETF is more diversified: SMLF or ESML?
SMLF holds 892 securities with 9.95% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 906 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.53%.
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