ACSG vs. ESML

Last updated Jun 26, 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

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ACSG having a 20.88% return and ESML slightly lower at 20.76%.

ACSG

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 20.88%
• 6M: 17.41%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESML

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: 20.76%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 37.48%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 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	20.88%	-0.86%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	20.76%	0.99%

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 16, 2025	0.94

ACSG vs. ESML - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACSG	ESML
Technology	26.1%	20.8%
Industrials	22.4%	17.8%
Healthcare	21.2%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	10.7%
Financial Services	7.6%	13.8%
Basic Materials	3.8%	4.0%
Energy	2.8%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	3.4%
Utilities	2.0%	2.8%
Communication Services	1.9%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	6.5%

Return for Risk

ACSG vs. ESML — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACSG

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

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 80
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 72
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ACSG	ESML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.20	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.09	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.29	—

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	-0.33%	0.00%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.90%	-8.91%	+6.01%
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	—	5.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.43%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.85%	17.18%	+5.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.85%	21.30%	+1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.85%	23.39%	-0.54%

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 0.90%.

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	0.90%	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 0.90%, 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.