FSML vs. CVSM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and CVSM (CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for CVSM.

Performance

FSML vs. CVSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF (CVSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

FSML

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 2.08%
• 6M: 13.95%
• YTD: 22.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CVSM

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 0.85%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSML vs. CVSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	10.07%
CVSM CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF	4.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and CVSM is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2026	0.54

Return for Risk

FSML vs. CVSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF (CVSM). 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.

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

Drawdowns

FSML vs. CVSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, which is greater than CVSM's maximum drawdown of -3.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and CVSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	CVSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-3.36%	-7.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.78%	-0.33%	-2.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.40%	-1.01%	-1.39%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	CVSM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.35%	11.11%	+9.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.35%	11.11%	+9.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.35%	11.11%	+9.24%

FSML vs. CVSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than CVSM's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. CVSM - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, more than CVSM's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CVSM CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF	0.23%	0.00%
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.39%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and CVSM in my portfolio?

FSML and CVSM have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSML or CVSM?

On fees, FSML is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or CVSM?

FSML is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for CVSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSML or CVSM?

FSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.23% for CVSM.

What is the main difference between FSML and CVSM?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and CresAlta. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.55% for CVSM.