ESML vs SPY
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ESML delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESML offers more diversification with 861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESML | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 913 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.33% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.54% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.66% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.17% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESML vs SPY Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ESML returned +33.54% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, ESML is up 19.33% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, ESML compounded at +16.66% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.17% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESML has the edge at +10.53% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESML charges 0.17% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $9 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESML currently yields 0.89% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ESML and SPY share 45 holdings out of 1319 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESML or SPY?
ESML has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESML or SPY?
Over the past year ESML returned +33.54% vs +22.91% for SPY, so ESML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESML annualized +10.53% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESML or SPY?
ESML has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ESML -42.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESML and SPY?
ESML and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESML and SPY?
ESML and SPY share 45 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1319 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESML or SPY?
ESML yields 0.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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