RSMC vs. ESML

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RSMC (Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF) and ESML (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. RSMC is actively managed, while ESML is passively managed. Over the past year, RSMC returned 15.46% vs 37.51% for ESML. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSMC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for ESML.

Performance

RSMC vs. ESML - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSMC achieves a 14.42% return, which is significantly lower than ESML's 19.45% return.

RSMC

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.78%
• YTD: 14.42%
• 6M: 11.59%
• 1Y: 15.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESML

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 19.45%
• 6M: 16.51%
• 1Y: 37.51%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

RSMC vs. ESML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSMC Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF	14.42%	-1.02%	0.67%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	19.45%	10.62%	2.15%

Correlation

The correlation between RSMC and ESML is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2024	0.91

The correlation between RSMC and ESML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSMC vs. ESML — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSMC

RSMC Risk / Return Rank: 28
RSMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
RSMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
RSMC Omega Ratio Rank: 24
RSMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
RSMC Martin Ratio Rank: 32

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 74
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

RSMC vs. ESML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF (RSMC) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). 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.

	RSMC	ESML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.90	2.20	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	3.10	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.37	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	4.17	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.43	15.31	-10.87

RSMC vs. ESML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSMC Sharpe Ratio is 0.90, which is lower than the ESML Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSMC and ESML, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

RSMC vs. ESML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSMC drawdown since its inception was -22.33%, smaller than the maximum ESML drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSMC and ESML.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSMC	ESML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.33%	-41.97%	+19.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.49%	-9.04%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.13%	-8.92%	+3.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	2.46%	+1.03%

Volatility

RSMC vs. ESML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF (RSMC) is 4.03%, while iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) has a volatility of 5.34%. This indicates that RSMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSMC	ESML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	5.34%	-1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	12.30%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.31%	17.13%	+0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.27%	21.28%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.27%	23.39%	-3.12%

RSMC vs. ESML - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSMC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ESML's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSMC vs. ESML - Dividend Comparison

RSMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ESML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	0.91%	1.08%	1.22%	1.31%	1.46%	0.94%	0.99%	1.10%	1.07%
RSMC Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSMC and ESML in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, RSMC and ESML 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, RSMC or ESML?

ESML has higher volatility (5.34%) compared to RSMC (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSMC dropped -22.33% vs ESML's -41.97%.

Which ETF is better, RSMC or ESML?

On 1-year performance, ESML leads with 37.51% vs 15.46% for RSMC. On fees, ESML is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, RSMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSMC or ESML?

Over the 1-year period, ESML has performed better with a 37.51% return vs 15.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSMC or ESML?

ESML is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RSMC.

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

ESML has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.00% for RSMC.

What is the main difference between RSMC and ESML?

They also come from different issuers: Rockefeller and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for RSMC and 0.17% for ESML.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 0.90), 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.