TMSL vs. SMMD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TMSL (T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF) and SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TMSL is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by T. Rowe Price, while SMMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 2500 Index. TMSL is actively managed, while SMMD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TMSL returned 20.67%/yr vs 19.02%/yr for SMMD. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TMSL charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SMMD.

Performance

TMSL vs. SMMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF (TMSL) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TMSL achieves a 18.75% return, which is significantly lower than SMMD's 20.07% return.

TMSL

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: 3.45%
• YTD: 18.75%
• 6M: 16.51%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 20.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMMD

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 20.07%
• 6M: 17.51%
• 1Y: 36.34%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 7.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

TMSL vs. SMMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
TMSL T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF	18.75%	11.95%	15.81%	11.79%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	20.07%	11.72%	11.87%	9.58%

Correlation

The correlation between TMSL and SMMD is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2023	0.96

The correlation between TMSL and SMMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

TMSL vs. SMMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TMSL	SMMD
Technology	25.8%	22.7%
Industrials	19.3%	21.5%
Healthcare	13.8%	10.9%
Financial Services	13.6%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	9.9%
Energy	5.9%	4.4%
Real Estate	4.3%	6.1%
Basic Materials	4.1%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.6%	2.7%
Utilities	1.5%	2.6%
Communication Services	1.0%	1.9%

Return for Risk

TMSL vs. SMMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMSL

TMSL Risk / Return Rank: 61
TMSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
TMSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
TMSL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
TMSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TMSL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 70
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

TMSL vs. SMMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF (TMSL) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). 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.

	TMSL	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.06	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.87	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.78	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	14.32	-2.40

TMSL vs. SMMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TMSL Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the SMMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TMSL and SMMD, 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

TMSL vs. SMMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMSL drawdown since its inception was -24.39%, smaller than the maximum SMMD drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMSL and SMMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMSL	SMMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.39%	-41.06%	+16.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.19%	-9.66%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.39%	-25.50%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.05%	-1.43%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-8.33%	+4.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	2.54%	+0.21%

Volatility

TMSL vs. SMMD - Volatility Comparison

T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF (TMSL) has a higher volatility of 7.03% compared to iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) at 5.96%. This indicates that TMSL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TMSL	SMMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.03%	5.96%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.84%	13.39%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.26%	17.77%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.60%	20.91%	-2.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.60%	22.37%	-3.77%

TMSL vs. SMMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

TMSL has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than SMMD's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

TMSL vs. SMMD - Dividend Comparison

TMSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than SMMD's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.07%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%
TMSL T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.48%	0.57%	0.44%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TMSL and SMMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TMSL and SMMD 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, TMSL or SMMD?

TMSL has higher volatility (7.03%) compared to SMMD (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TMSL dropped -24.39% vs SMMD's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, TMSL or SMMD?

On 3-year performance, TMSL leads with 20.67% vs 19.02% for SMMD. On fees, SMMD is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SMMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TMSL or SMMD?

Over the 3-year period, TMSL has performed better with a 20.67% return vs 19.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TMSL or SMMD?

SMMD is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for TMSL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TMSL or SMMD?

SMMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.48% for TMSL.

What is the main difference between TMSL and SMMD?

TMSL is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while SMMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for TMSL and 0.15% for SMMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.80), 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.