BKSE vs. SMMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKSE (BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF) and SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - BKSE tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Index while SMMD tracks the Russell 2500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKSE returned 6.89%/yr vs 7.64%/yr for SMMD. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BKSE charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SMMD.

Performance

BKSE vs. SMMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKSE achieves a 13.03% return, which is significantly lower than SMMD's 18.37% return.

BKSE

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 13.03%
• 6M: 12.11%
• 1Y: 32.65%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

SMMD

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 4.41%
• YTD: 18.37%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 36.03%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

BKSE vs. SMMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	13.03%	13.09%	9.56%	22.37%	-18.44%	16.18%	55.56%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	18.37%	11.72%	11.87%	17.71%	-18.53%	18.30%	56.54%

Correlation

The correlation between BKSE and SMMD is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2020	0.97

The correlation between BKSE and SMMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKSE vs. SMMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKSE	SMMD
Technology	16.8%	18.8%
Financial Services	16.4%	13.8%
Industrials	15.4%	21.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	10.6%
Healthcare	11.4%	11.8%
Energy	7.0%	4.9%
Real Estate	6.6%	6.7%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.4%
Utilities	3.4%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	2.8%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.5%

Return for Risk

BKSE vs. SMMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKSE

BKSE Risk / Return Rank: 60
BKSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
BKSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
BKSE Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BKSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
BKSE Martin Ratio Rank: 66

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

BKSE vs. SMMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). 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.

	BKSE	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.11	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.96	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.36	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	3.75	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.15	14.29	-2.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKSE vs. SMMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the SMMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKSE and SMMD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKSE	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	2.11	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	0.37	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.50	+0.23

Drawdowns

BKSE vs. SMMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKSE drawdown since its inception was -29.08%, smaller than the maximum SMMD drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKSE and SMMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKSE	SMMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.08%	-41.06%	+11.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.40%	-9.66%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.76%	-25.50%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.08%	-28.26%	-0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.11%	-0.63%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-8.37%	-0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.53%	+0.16%

Volatility

BKSE vs. SMMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) is 4.47%, while iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that BKSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKSE	SMMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	5.17%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.96%	12.58%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	17.20%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.43%	20.82%	+0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	22.37%	-0.07%

BKSE vs. SMMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKSE has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SMMD's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BKSE vs. SMMD - Dividend Comparison

BKSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than SMMD's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	1.16%	1.26%	1.55%	1.38%	1.50%	1.17%	0.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.05%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKSE and SMMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, BKSE and SMMD 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 is riskier, BKSE or SMMD?

SMMD has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to BKSE (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKSE dropped -29.08% vs SMMD's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, BKSE or SMMD?

On 5-year performance, SMMD leads with 7.64% vs 6.89% for BKSE. On fees, BKSE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, BKSE has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKSE or SMMD?

Over the 5-year period, SMMD has performed better with a 7.64% return vs 6.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKSE or SMMD?

BKSE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for SMMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKSE or SMMD?

BKSE has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 1.05% for SMMD.

What is the main difference between BKSE and SMMD?

BKSE tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Index, while SMMD tracks Russell 2500 Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for BKSE and 0.15% for SMMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.87), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.