Home 
Today's Top Picks 
Top Performers 
Watchlist 
My Robo Portfolios 
ETF Zone 
Help & Tutorial 
Cancel anytime
- Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
Upturn AI SWOT - About
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF)
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)
Stock price based on last close (see disclosures)
- ALL
- YEAR
- MONTH
- WEEK
Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: SMLF (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 21.99% | Avg. Invested days 54 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | ETF Returns Performance  4.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/14/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.23 | 52 Weeks Range 53.22 - 73.93 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 53.22 - 73.93 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index, which measures the performance of U.S. small-capitalization stocks exhibiting relatively higher exposure to factors such as value, quality, momentum and low size.
Reputation and Reliability
BlackRock, the issuer, is the world's largest asset manager and has a strong reputation for providing reliable and well-managed ETFs.
Management Expertise
BlackRock has a highly experienced management team with extensive expertise in ETF management and factor-based investing.
Investment Objective
Goal
To track the investment results of the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: Tracks an index that selects U.S. small-cap stocks based on multiple factors: value, quality, momentum, and low size.
Composition Primarily holds U.S. small-cap stocks selected based on the multifactor strategy.
Market Position
Market Share: Estimated to be small compared to broad market small-cap ETFs.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 371120000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- VIOV
- AVUV
- DFAS
Competitive Landscape
The small-cap multifactor ETF market is competitive, with several providers offering similar strategies. SMLF benefits from BlackRock's brand recognition but faces competition from lower-cost alternatives and ETFs with slightly different factor definitions.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance varies based on market conditions and factor performance. Check iShares website for updated returns.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared against the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index to assess tracking effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.3
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume is moderate, indicating reasonable liquidity.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically tight, reflecting good liquidity for the fund.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, interest rates, and investor sentiment towards small-cap stocks influence SMLF's performance. Specific factor tilts also affect returns.
Growth Trajectory
Growth depends on the performance of small-cap stocks and the effectiveness of the multifactor model in identifying outperforming companies. Holdings are regularly rebalanced.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
SMLF benefits from BlackRock's brand recognition and scale. Its multifactor approach aims to capture the benefits of multiple investment styles, potentially improving risk-adjusted returns. The fund's diversification across small-cap stocks reduces company-specific risk. However, its expense ratio might be a disadvantage compared to some competitors. The reliance on a specific factor model introduces model risk.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
SMLF's volatility is typical of small-cap ETFs, which tend to be more volatile than large-cap ETFs.
Market Risk
Market risk includes the inherent volatility of small-cap stocks and the potential for factor underperformance during certain market cycles.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
Investors seeking exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks with a focus on value, quality, momentum, and low size factors. Suitable for those comfortable with small-cap volatility.
Market Risk
Best for long-term investors who understand factor-based investing and are looking for diversified small-cap exposure.
Summary
The iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF offers exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks selected based on a multifactor model. It aims to improve risk-adjusted returns by combining value, quality, momentum, and low size factors. While it benefits from BlackRock's reputation, investors should consider its expense ratio and the potential for factor underperformance. This ETF is suited for long-term investors seeking diversified small-cap exposure with a factor tilt.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- iShares website
- MSCI website
- BlackRock website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The data and analysis provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances and a thorough understanding of the risks involved.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The index is composed of small-capitalization equity securities from the STOXX US Small Cap Index that are selected and weighted using an optimization process designed to maximize exposure to four target factors: momentum, quality, value, and low volatility. The fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of its index and in investments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the component securities of its index and may invest up to 20% of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.