FSML vs. ISCB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FSML is actively managed, while ISCB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ISCB.

Performance

FSML vs. ISCB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSML achieves a 14.90% return, which is significantly higher than ISCB's 9.95% return.

FSML

• 1D: -3.10%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 14.90%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISCB

• 1D: -2.16%
• 1M: -1.09%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 9.28%
• 1Y: 28.25%
• 3Y*: 15.34%
• 5Y*: 5.43%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

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

FSML vs. ISCB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	14.90%	-3.75%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	9.95%	-3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and ISCB is 0.93, 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 Dec 12, 2025	0.93

Return for Risk

FSML vs. ISCB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCB

ISCB Risk / Return Rank: 56
ISCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ISCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
ISCB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
ISCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ISCB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

FSML vs. ISCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSML	ISCB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	0.38	+0.77

Drawdowns

FSML vs. ISCB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum ISCB drawdown of -61.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and ISCB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	ISCB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-61.25%	+50.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-2.16%	-0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-9.80%	+7.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	ISCB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.59%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	16.62%	+4.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	21.41%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.71%	22.69%	-1.98%

FSML vs. ISCB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than ISCB's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. ISCB - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than ISCB's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.16%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	1.28%	1.38%	1.31%	1.49%	1.63%	1.26%	1.26%	1.25%	1.60%	1.24%	1.58%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and ISCB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FSML and ISCB 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, FSML or ISCB?

On fees, ISCB is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or ISCB?

ISCB is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSML.

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

ISCB has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.16% for FSML.

What is the main difference between FSML and ISCB?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.04% for ISCB.