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SMLFvsNUSCETF Comparison
iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) belongs to the US Multi-Factor segment. NuShares ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is part of the US Small Cap segment. SMLF's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. In contrast, NUSC's top sector exposures are Financials, Information Technology and Industrials. SMLF is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.15%, versus 0.31% for NUSC. SMLF is up 1.81% year-to-date (YTD) with +$430M in YTD flows. NUSC performs better with 2.41% YTD performance, and -$120M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of SMLF and NUSC 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 NUSC performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SMLF NUSC | -4.04%-5.22% | -1.28%-0.77% | +1.81%+2.41% | +24.32%+19.86% | +60.53%+37.77% | +52.80%+15.33% |
| Flows | SMLF NUSC | +$94M+$5M | +$472M-$116M | +$430M-$120M | +$1.34B-$165M | +$1.84B-$63M | +$1.95B+$355M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | SMLF NUSC | +16.81%+16.05% | +22.59%+22.08% | +19.91%+19.76% | +21.22%+21.30% |
| Max drawdown | SMLF NUSC | -5.65%-5.66% | -16.13%-16.49% | -26.10%-26.88% | -26.10%-28.74% |
| Max drawdown duration | SMLF NUSC | 48d17d | 46d46d | 266d379d | 266d1073d |
SMLF | NUSC | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 6:04 PM | $74.91 | $44.85 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $76.17 | $45.71 |
| 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 | NUSC | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
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| Average | ||
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SMLF | NUSC | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $74.91 | $44.85 |
| 1D performance | -1.65% | -1.88% |
| AuM | $3.30 B | $1.17 B |
| E/R | 0.15% | 0.31% |
SMLF | NUSC | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | Nuveen |
| Benchmark | STOXX U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor USD Gross Return | MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small-Cap Index |
| N° of holdings | 762 | 405 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | April 28, 2015 | December 13, 2016 |
| 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 NUSC ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, SMLF is up 1.81% year-to-date (YTD), while NUSC has returned 2.41%. That puts NUSC better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: SMLF or NUSC?
Year-to-date, the SMLF ETF saw +$430M in flows, compared to -$120M for NUSC.
Which ETF is more volatile: SMLF or NUSC?
Over the past year, SMLF had a volatility of 22.59%, while NUSC experienced 22.08%.
Which ETF is bigger: SMLF or NUSC?
As of March 11, 2026, SMLF holds $3.30 B in assets under management (AUM), while NUSC manages $1.17 B.
What sectors do the SMLF and NUSC ETFs invest in?
SMLF leans toward sectors like Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, NUSC focuses on Financials, Information Technology and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the SMLF ETF and NUSC ETF?
SMLF top holdings include US80004C2008, EMCOR GROUP and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. NUSC holds in its top three: TECHNIPFMC PLC, MODERNA INC and EXACT SCIENCES.
Which ETF is more diversified: SMLF or NUSC?
SMLF holds 840 securities with 10.75% of its assets in the top 15. NUSC has 412 securities and a top 15 weight of 14.04%.
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