SMLF vs. SMMV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SMLF (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) and SMMV (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMLF is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor, while SMMV is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SMLF returned 11.16%/yr vs 4.97%/yr for SMMV. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMLF charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for SMMV.

Performance

SMLF vs. SMMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMLF achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly higher than SMMV's 2.32% return.

SMLF

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 16.02%
• 1Y: 33.93%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 11.16%
• 10Y*: 12.44%

SMMV

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.48%
• YTD: 2.32%
• 6M: 3.51%
• 1Y: 7.14%
• 3Y*: 10.92%
• 5Y*: 4.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMLF vs. SMMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	15.29%	12.30%	16.33%	19.99%	-12.19%	26.53%	8.38%	21.56%	-8.42%	12.70%
SMMV iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF	2.32%	6.42%	18.29%	5.63%	-10.00%	16.64%	-2.88%	24.21%	1.15%	14.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SMLF and SMMV is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2016	0.85

The correlation between SMLF and SMMV shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SMLF vs. SMMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMLF	SMMV
Industrials	19.8%	13.8%
Technology	16.6%	10.9%
Financial Services	15.0%	10.9%
Healthcare	12.7%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	5.6%
Real Estate	5.7%	13.4%
Energy	4.8%	4.5%
Basic Materials	4.6%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	8.1%
Communication Services	3.2%	5.4%
Utilities	2.2%	7.7%

Return for Risk

SMLF vs. SMMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMLF

SMLF Risk / Return Rank: 63
SMLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SMLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SMLF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SMLF Martin Ratio Rank: 70

SMMV

SMMV Risk / Return Rank: 22
SMMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
SMMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
SMMV Omega Ratio Rank: 20
SMMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
SMMV Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

SMLF vs. SMMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV). 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.

	SMLF	SMMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	0.74	+1.25
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	1.13	+1.64
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.13	+0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.89	0.99	+2.90
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.38	3.17	+10.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMLF vs. SMMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMLF Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is higher than the SMMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMLF and SMMV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMLF	SMMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	0.74	+1.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.37	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.52	+0.02

Drawdowns

SMLF vs. SMMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMLF drawdown since its inception was -41.89%, which is greater than SMMV's maximum drawdown of -38.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMLF and SMMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMLF	SMMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.89%	-38.77%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.71%	-7.02%	-1.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.28%	-13.68%	-12.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.28%	-18.00%	-8.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.18%	+4.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-5.10%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	2.18%	+0.35%

Volatility

SMLF vs. SMMV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) has a higher volatility of 4.76% compared to iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV) at 2.27%. This indicates that SMLF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMLF	SMMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	2.27%	+2.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	6.34%	+5.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	9.73%	+7.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.09%	13.50%	+7.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.79%	15.70%	+6.09%

SMLF vs. SMMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMLF has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SMMV's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMLF vs. SMMV - Dividend Comparison

SMLF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than SMMV's 1.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	1.03%	1.14%	1.33%	1.13%	1.23%	1.07%	1.33%	1.39%	1.17%	0.93%	0.78%	0.79%
SMMV iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF	1.74%	1.77%	1.76%	2.30%	1.67%	1.08%	1.39%	1.64%	1.72%	1.63%	0.79%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMLF and SMMV in my portfolio?

SMLF and SMMV have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMLF or SMMV?

SMLF has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to SMMV (2.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMLF dropped -41.89% vs SMMV's -38.77%.

Which ETF is better, SMLF or SMMV?

On 5-year performance, SMLF leads with 11.16% vs 4.97% for SMMV. On fees, SMMV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, SMMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMLF or SMMV?

Over the 5-year period, SMLF has performed better with a 11.16% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMLF or SMMV?

SMMV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for SMLF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMLF or SMMV?

SMMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.74%, compared with 1.03% for SMLF.

What is the main difference between SMLF and SMMV?

SMLF is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SMMV is Small Cap Growth Equities. SMLF tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor, while SMMV tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for SMLF and 0.20% for SMMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 0.74), 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.