SQLTvsESMLETF Comparison
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iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF (SQLT) 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. SQLT is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.2%, versus 0.17% for ESML. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of SQLT 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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SQLT vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 07/24/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SQLT ESML | +0.06%-0.89% | +2.92%+5.47% | n/a+17.64% | n/a+27.60% | n/a+51.49% | n/a+45.98% |
| Flows | SQLT ESML | -+$8M | +$4K+$375M | -+$412M | -+$419M | -+$644M | -+$1.18B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | SQLT ESML | +13.63%+16.54% | n/a+17.11% | n/a+19.63% | n/a+21.23% |
| Max drawdown | SQLT ESML | -3.86%-4.25% | n/a-9.05% | n/a-26.61% | n/a-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | SQLT ESML | 16d24d | n/a46d | n/a296d | n/a980d |
Trading data
SQLT | ESML | |
Last sale 7/24/2026 at 1:46 PM | $28.20 | $53.84 |
| Previous close 07/24/2026 | $28.20 | $53.86 |
| Consolidated volume 07/24/2026 | ||
| 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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SQLT | 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 7/24/2026 at 1:46 PM
Live
Closed
SQLT | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $28.20 | $53.84 |
| 1D performance | +0.01% | -0.05% |
| AuM | $6.81 M | $2.83 B |
| E/R | 0.2% | 0.17% |
Characteristics
SQLT | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Small Cap Sector Neutral Quality Index | MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index |
| N° of holdings | 496 | 904 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | March 31, 2026 | April 10, 2018 |
| ESG | No | Yes |
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Exposure
Countries
SQLT
USA
97.92%
Other
2.08%
ESML
USA
96.57%
Other
3.43%
Sectors
SQLT
Finance
21.4%
Technology
18.55%
Industrials
15.69%
Healthcare
13.06%
Non-Energy Materi.
9.87%
Other
21.44%
ESML
Finance
21.07%
Technology
19.21%
Industrials
15.06%
Healthcare
13.51%
Other
31.15%
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Diversification
SQLT
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
12.68%
ESML
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
10.18%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of June 30, 2026
SQLT
BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury
1.14%
National Fuel Gas Co.
1.08%
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.
0.99%
Carpenter Technology Corp.
0.98%
Woodward, Inc.
0.95%
Onto Innovation, Inc.
0.93%
TD SYNNEX Corp.
0.89%
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.
0.85%
East West Bancorp, Inc.
0.79%
The New York Times Co.
0.70%
Royal Gold, Inc.
0.70%
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
0.69%
Medpace Holdings, Inc.
0.67%
Sanmina Corp.
0.67%
Exelixis, Inc.
0.66%
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 SQLT and ESML
Which ETF is bigger: SQLT or ESML?
As of July 24, 2026, SQLT holds $6.81 M in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.83 B.
What sectors do the SQLT and ESML ETFs invest in?
SQLT leans toward sectors like Finance, Technology and Industrials. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Finance, Technology and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the SQLT ETF and ESML ETF?
SQLT top holdings include BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury, National Fuel Gas Co. and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.. ESML holds in its top three: Sandisk Corp., US Foods Holding Corp. and Carpenter Technology Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: SQLT or ESML?
SQLT holds 499 securities with 12.68% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 907 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.18%.
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