Should iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) Be on Your Investing Radar?

Launched on April 28, 2015, the iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Dec 5, 2025

Is iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) a Strong ETF Right Now?

The iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) was launched on 04/28/2015, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Style Box - Small Cap Blend category of the market.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 24, 2025

SMLF: Quality Still Matters In Small Cap With 50% Floating Rate Debt Burdens

We can claim that SMLF is skewed towards higher-quality small-cap stocks, as its industry skew is towards sectors with lower credit spreads. Quality tends to be important for small-cap performance in easing cycles. Small-cap stocks are generally more floating-rate exposed, which also means easing cycles reduce interest expense. We have outstanding questions about whether more rate cuts are actually going to happen. There are also other possible challenges, including tariffs and macro for US small caps.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 23, 2025

SMLF: A Measured Approach To Smaller Capitalization Companies

SMLF's multifactor strategy and mid-cap exposure have driven its outperformance, offering a balanced mix of fair valuation and high profitability. The ETF's allocation includes 25% mid caps, differentiating it from pure small-cap funds, and has delivered strong returns, outperforming the Russell 2000 index. SMLF's valuation is justified by its higher profitability and growth metrics, despite trading at a premium to the Russell 2000 and peers.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 14, 2025

Undercovered ETFs: Nuclear, Uranium, China, India +

The 'Undercovered' Dozen series highlights lesser-covered ETFs, offering insights from various authors on potential investment opportunities and market trends. Global X Uranium ETF is seen as well-placed for a uranium bull market, driven by increasing demand for nuclear energy from major tech companies. iShares MSCI India ETF offers exposure to India's fast-growing economy, presenting perhaps a strong investment opportunity despite recent pullbacks due to shifts towards the Chinese market.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 19, 2024

We Escaped Black Monday - And A Time To Buy SMLF

Reflecting on the 1987 market crash, I emphasize the market's resilience and predict a strong finish for 2024 despite potential volatility. I advocate for investing in Financial, Utilities, and Industrial sectors, anticipating rate declines and positive third-quarter earnings. I recommend the iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF for its broad exposure and strong performance, especially benefiting from reshoring trends.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 20, 2024

SMLF: Captures The Trump Trade

iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF is a diversified fund focusing on US small caps, potentially benefiting from a Trump win. The SMLF ETF may be worth considering for ETF investors looking to take advantage of growing momentum behind Trump-win bets, as his odds of winning the election have risen. Small-cap hasn't rallied that much yet, and there is the basic logic that its rally may not yet be over, considering growing confidence in a soft landing.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 22, 2024

SMLF: Invest In Small-Cap Stocks With This Factor ETF

iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF has outperformed the benchmark Russell 2000 and its peer group, with better risk and volatility metrics. The ETF tracks the STOXX U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor Index, which maximizes exposure to stocks based on momentum, quality, value, and low volatility factors. SMLF has a higher turnover rate and is more skewed towards mid-cap stocks compared to its peers, but its sector allocation and valuation metrics are similar.

Seeking Alpha • May 16, 2024

SMLF: A Small Cap ETF Beating The Benchmark, But Lagging A Few Peers

iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF implements a multi-factor strategy based on momentum, quality, value, and volatility. The SMLF ETF is well-diversified across sectors and holdings. SMLF has outperformed the Russell 2000 benchmark since its inception but has lagged behind some other factor-based small-cap ETFs in recent years.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 26, 2024

SMLF: Mostly Mid-Cap, Rather Volatile Mix, Only A Hold

SMLF offers a sophisticated, multi-factor take on the small-cap echelon. SMLF has a too-short trading history with a new index in place and too-large exposure to loss-making companies that renders its traditionally calculated EY, ROE, and even ROA irrelevant. Its overall quality is only average if measured using alternative techniques. It is far from being a purely small-cap portfolio, as illustrated by its weighted-average market cap.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 19, 2023