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: Finance, Technology and Industrials. SMLF is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.15%, versus 0.17% for ESML. SMLF is up 16.58% year-to-date (YTD) with +$780M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 17.78% YTD performance, and +$412M 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 07/28/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SMLF ESML | -2.03%-2.82% | +6.98%+6.45% | +16.58%+17.78% | +24.67%+27.32% | +60.11%+50.88% | +71.48%+45.75% |
| Flows | SMLF ESML | +$52M+$11M | +$299M+$383M | +$780M+$412M | +$1.53B+$419M | +$2.41B+$656M | +$2.20B+$1.16B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | SMLF ESML | +16.40%+16.40% | +17.45%+17.10% | +19.85%+19.63% | +21.12%+21.23% |
| Max drawdown | SMLF ESML | -4.58%-4.25% | -8.74%-9.05% | -26.10%-26.61% | -26.10%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | SMLF ESML | 16d28d | 81d46d | 266d296d | 266d980d |
Trading data
SMLF | ESML | |
Last sale 7/29/2026 at 1:30 PM | $85.38 | $53.05 |
| Previous close 07/28/2026 | $86.74 | $53.92 |
| Consolidated volume 07/28/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of June 30, 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 7/29/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
SMLF | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $85.38 | $53.05 |
| 1D performance | -1.57% | -1.61% |
| AuM | $4.12 B | $2.83 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 | 891 | 904 |
| 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
92.66%
Other
7.34%
ESML
USA
96.57%
Other
3.43%
Sectors
SMLF
Finance
20.52%
Technology
18.76%
Industrials
14.76%
Healthcare
14.33%
Non-Energy Materi.
7.11%
Other
24.53%
ESML
Finance
21.07%
Technology
19.21%
Industrials
15.06%
Healthcare
13.51%
Other
31.15%
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Diversification
SMLF
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
11.04%
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
10.18%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of June 30, 2026
SMLF
Flex Ltd.
1.07%
Astera Labs, Inc.
1.05%
EMCOR Group, Inc.
0.95%
Jabil, Inc.
0.88%
BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury
0.88%
nVent Electric Plc
0.85%
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.
0.79%
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.
0.64%
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.
0.61%
Tapestry, Inc.
0.61%
Natera, Inc.
0.60%
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
0.59%
Mueller Industries, Inc.
0.52%
Reliance, Inc.
0.50%
Carpenter Technology Corp.
0.49%
ESML
Sandisk Corp.
4.67%
US Foods Holding Corp.
0.53%
Carpenter Technology Corp.
0.45%
Assurant, Inc.
0.45%
nVent Electric Plc
0.42%
ATI, Inc.
0.41%
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.
0.39%
BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury
0.39%
Woodward, Inc.
0.37%
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.
0.37%
MKS, Inc.
0.36%
Moderna, Inc.
0.36%
Ovintiv, Inc.
0.35%
Onto Innovation, Inc.
0.34%
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.
0.32%
Frequently asked questions about SMLF and ESML
How have the SMLF and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of July 28, 2026, SMLF is up 16.58% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 17.78%. 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 +$780M in flows, compared to +$412M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: SMLF or ESML?
Over the past year, SMLF had a volatility of 17.45%, while ESML experienced 17.1%.
Which ETF is bigger: SMLF or ESML?
As of July 28, 2026, SMLF holds $4.12 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.83 B.
What sectors do the SMLF and ESML ETFs invest in?
SMLF leans toward sectors like Finance, Technology and Industrials. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Finance, Technology and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the SMLF ETF and ESML ETF?
SMLF top holdings include Flex Ltd., Astera Labs, Inc. and EMCOR Group, Inc.. ESML holds in its top three: Sandisk Corp., US Foods Holding Corp. and Carpenter Technology Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: SMLF or ESML?
SMLF holds 898 securities with 11.04% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 907 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.18%.
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