ESML vs. FSMD
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD).
ESML and FSMD are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. ESML is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. It was launched on Apr 10, 2018. FSMD is a passively managed fund by Fidelity that tracks the performance of the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. It was launched on Feb 26, 2019. Both ESML and FSMD are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
ESML vs. FSMD - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
ESML vs. FSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF | 2.51% | 10.62% | 12.01% | 17.27% | -17.28% | 19.28% | 19.56% | 9.51% |
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF | 1.72% | 8.70% | 15.18% | 17.37% | -11.15% | 26.40% | 8.94% | 8.81% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ESML achieves a 2.51% return, which is significantly higher than FSMD's 1.72% return.
ESML
- 1D
- 3.11%
- 1M
- -5.16%
- YTD
- 2.51%
- 6M
- 4.85%
- 1Y
- 23.82%
- 3Y*
- 12.82%
- 5Y*
- 5.04%
- 10Y*
- —
FSMD
- 1D
- 3.04%
- 1M
- -4.67%
- YTD
- 1.72%
- 6M
- 2.29%
- 1Y
- 15.81%
- 3Y*
- 13.07%
- 5Y*
- 7.84%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
ESML vs. FSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison
ESML has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than FSMD's 0.29% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
ESML vs. FSMD — Risk / Return Rank
ESML
FSMD
ESML vs. FSMD - 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 Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). 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 | FSMD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.08 | 0.79 | +0.29 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.63 | 1.26 | +0.37 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.17 | +0.05 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.60 | 1.33 | +0.27 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.95 | 5.61 | +1.35 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| ESML | FSMD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.08 | 0.79 | +0.29 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.24 | 0.43 | -0.19 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.39 | 0.47 | -0.08 |
Correlation
The correlation between ESML and FSMD is 0.96, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
ESML vs. FSMD - Dividend Comparison
ESML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than FSMD's 1.37% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.46% | 0.94% | 0.99% | 1.10% | 1.07% |
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF | 1.37% | 1.33% | 1.29% | 1.37% | 1.54% | 1.18% | 1.32% | 1.37% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
ESML vs. FSMD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ESML drawdown since its inception was -41.97%, roughly equal to the maximum FSMD drawdown of -40.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESML and FSMD.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| ESML | FSMD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.97% | -40.67% | -1.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.71% | -12.63% | -2.08% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.61% | -22.16% | -6.45% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.20% | -5.65% | -0.55% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.14% | -6.12% | -3.02% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.39% | 3.01% | +0.38% |
Volatility
ESML vs. FSMD - Volatility Comparison
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) have volatilities of 6.61% and 6.73%, 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| ESML | FSMD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.61% | 6.73% | -0.12% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.81% | 11.32% | +1.49% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.19% | 20.07% | +2.12% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.28% | 18.43% | +2.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.55% | 21.54% | +2.01% |