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VBvsESMLETF Comparison
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) belong to the same industry segment: US Small Cap. VB's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. In contrast, ESML's top sector exposures are Industrials, Financials and Information Technology. VB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.03%, versus 0.17% for ESML. VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD) with +$423M in YTD flows. ESML performs better with 1.74% YTD performance, and +$108M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VB 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.
VB vs ESML performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VB ESML | -4.49%-4.91% | -0.34%-0.15% | +1.14%+1.74% | +19.21%+22.74% | +49.53%+47.88% | +26.68%+24.30% |
| Flows | VB ESML | +$432M+$15M | +$488M+$120M | +$423M+$108M | +$528M+$77M | +$9.74B+$267M | +$15.60B+$1.18B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VB ESML | +16.19%+16.37% | +21.77%+22.25% | +18.88%+19.77% | +20.68%+21.35% |
| Max drawdown | VB ESML | -6.81%-6.97% | -15.79%-16.43% | -25.25%-26.61% | -28.14%-28.52% |
| Max drawdown duration | VB ESML | 14d14d | 46d46d | 296d296d | 980d980d |
VB | ESML | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 5:33 PM | $260.88 | $46.70 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $260.75 | $46.77 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
VB | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VB | ESML | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $260.88 | $46.70 |
| 1D performance | +0.05% | -0.15% |
| AuM | $70.18 B | $2.19 B |
| E/R | 0.03% | 0.17% |
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 VB and ESML ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD), while ESML has returned 1.74%. That puts ESML better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VB or ESML?
Year-to-date, the VB ETF saw +$423M in flows, compared to +$108M for ESML.
Which ETF is more volatile: VB or ESML?
Over the past year, VB had a volatility of 21.77%, while ESML experienced 22.25%.
Which ETF is bigger: VB or ESML?
As of March 12, 2026, VB holds $70.18 B in assets under management (AUM), while ESML manages $2.19 B.
What sectors do the VB and ESML ETFs invest in?
VB leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, ESML focuses on Industrials, Financials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the VB ETF and ESML ETF?
VB top holdings include US80004C2008, US7731211089 and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. ESML holds in its top three: US80004C2008, US86765Q1067 and US19247G1076.
Which ETF is more diversified: VB or ESML?
VB holds 1315 securities with 6.86% of its assets in the top 15. ESML has 899 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.99%.
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