FSML vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FSML is actively managed, while ISMD is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

FSML vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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 lower than ISMD's 20.84% return.

FSML

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

ISMD

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 20.84%
• 6M: 20.40%
• 1Y: 36.49%
• 3Y*: 15.54%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

FSML vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	14.90%	-3.75%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	20.84%	-3.45%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and ISMD is 0.89, 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	0.89

Return for Risk

FSML vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 65
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	0.39	+0.75

Drawdowns

FSML vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-44.60%	+33.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.64%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-2.41%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-8.17%	+5.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.71%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.82%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	18.73%	+1.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	20.90%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.71%	23.75%	-3.04%

FSML vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than ISMD's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and ISMD in my portfolio?

FSML and ISMD have a correlation of 0.89, 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 ISMD?

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 ISMD?

FSML is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

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

ISMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.16% for FSML.

What is the main difference between FSML and ISMD?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.57% for ISMD.