ACSG vs. ESML

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

ACSG (American Century Small Cap Growth Insights ETF) and ESML (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. ACSG is actively managed, while ESML is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ACSG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for ESML.

Performance

ACSG vs. ESML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Small Cap Growth Insights ETF (ACSG) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACSG achieves a 11.29% return, which is significantly lower than ESML's 13.97% return.

ACSG

• 1D: -3.92%
• 1M: -2.71%
• YTD: 11.29%
• 6M: 9.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESML

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: -0.65%
• YTD: 13.97%
• 6M: 13.12%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 15.99%
• 5Y*: 6.75%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ACSG vs. ESML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ACSG American Century Small Cap Growth Insights ETF	11.29%	1.17%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	13.97%	2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between ACSG and ESML is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2025	0.94

ACSG vs. ESML - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACSG	ESML
Industrials	23.4%	19.3%
Healthcare	22.7%	12.6%
Technology	22.0%	17.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	11.3%
Financial Services	7.6%	14.4%
Basic Materials	3.9%	3.9%
Energy	3.1%	5.9%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.2%
Real Estate	2.2%	6.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	3.7%
Utilities	1.7%	2.7%

Return for Risk

ACSG vs. ESML — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 64
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 72

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ACSG vs. ESML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Small Cap Growth Insights ETF (ACSG) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ACSG	ESML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.45	+0.47

Drawdowns

ACSG vs. ESML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACSG drawdown since its inception was -13.28%, smaller than the maximum ESML drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACSG and ESML.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACSG	ESML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-41.97%	+28.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.04%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.12%	-2.70%	-1.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-8.96%	+5.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.46%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ACSG	ESML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.89%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.96%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.55%	16.86%	+5.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	21.25%	+1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.55%	23.41%	-0.86%

ACSG vs. ESML - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACSG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than ESML's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACSG vs. ESML - Dividend Comparison

ACSG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ESML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ACSG American Century Small Cap Growth Insights ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	0.97%	1.08%	1.22%	1.31%	1.46%	0.94%	0.99%	1.10%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACSG and ESML in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, ACSG and ESML move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, ACSG or ESML?

On fees, ESML is cheaper at 0.17% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACSG or ESML?

ESML is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ACSG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACSG or ESML?

ESML has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.00% for ACSG.

What is the main difference between ACSG and ESML?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ACSG and 0.17% for ESML.