ESML vs IVV
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ESML delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESML offers more diversification with 861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESML | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 913 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.69% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.95% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.10% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2018 | May 15, 2000 |
ESML vs IVV Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ESML returned +33.95% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, ESML is up 19.69% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, ESML compounded at +16.88% per year against +21.47% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.10% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESML has the edge at +10.56% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -42.0% for ESML and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESML charges 0.17% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESML currently yields 0.89% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ESML and IVV share 47 holdings out of 1319 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESML or IVV?
ESML has an expense ratio of 0.17% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESML or IVV?
Over the past year ESML returned +33.95% vs +22.61% for IVV, so ESML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESML annualized +10.56% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESML or IVV?
ESML has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ESML -42.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESML and IVV?
ESML and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESML and IVV?
ESML and IVV share 47 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1319 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESML or IVV?
ESML yields 0.89% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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