ESML vs. AVUV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESML (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index, while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. ESML is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESML returned 7.18%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for AVUV. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESML charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUV.

Performance

ESML vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESML achieves a 16.26% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 17.96% return.

ESML

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.86%
• YTD: 16.26%
• 6M: 15.99%
• 1Y: 34.21%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 7.18%
• 10Y*: —

AVUV

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 36.48%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 10.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

ESML vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	16.26%	10.62%	12.01%	17.27%	-17.28%	19.28%	19.56%	8.48%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	17.96%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.50%

Correlation

The correlation between ESML and AVUV is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.93

The correlation between ESML and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESML vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESML	AVUV
Industrials	19.3%	13.9%
Technology	17.5%	7.0%
Financial Services	14.4%	25.8%
Healthcare	12.6%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	18.0%
Real Estate	6.5%	0.7%
Energy	5.9%	18.2%
Basic Materials	3.9%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	4.5%
Utilities	2.7%	0.1%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.8%

Return for Risk

ESML vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 66
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 74

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 67
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
AVUV 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.

ESML vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV). 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.

	ESML	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.10	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	3.02	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.80	4.61	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.00	13.69	+0.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESML vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESML Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESML and AVUV, 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

	ESML	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	2.10	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.47	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.56	-0.10

Drawdowns

ESML vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESML drawdown since its inception was -41.97%, smaller than the maximum AVUV drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESML and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESML	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.97%	-49.42%	+7.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-7.95%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.68%	-28.79%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.61%	-28.79%	+0.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-1.12%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.97%	-7.95%	-1.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	2.67%	-0.22%

Volatility

ESML vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) have volatilities of 4.25% and 4.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESML	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	4.08%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.67%	11.34%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.66%	17.54%	-0.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.23%	22.74%	-1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.40%	28.30%	-4.90%

ESML vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESML has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than AVUV's 0.25% 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

ESML vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

ESML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than AVUV's 1.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.29%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	0.95%	1.08%	1.22%	1.31%	1.46%	0.94%	0.99%	1.10%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESML and AVUV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, ESML and AVUV 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, ESML or AVUV?

ESML has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to AVUV (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESML dropped -41.97% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, ESML or AVUV?

On 5-year performance, AVUV leads with 10.71% vs 7.18% for ESML. On fees, ESML is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESML or AVUV?

Over the 5-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 10.71% return vs 7.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESML or AVUV?

ESML is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVUV.

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

AVUV has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.95% for ESML.

What is the main difference between ESML and AVUV?

ESML is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while AVUV is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for ESML and 0.25% for AVUV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 2.07), 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.