What Is the CVSM ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The Cresset SMID Cap ETF (CVSM) is an actively managed ETF that invests in US small- and mid-cap (SMID) stocks, seeking undervalued value names within the Russell 2500 Index range. It can serve as a reference option for investors looking at related stock exposure and the outlook ahead.
SubscribeWhat Is the Cresset SMID Cap ETF?
It is an actively managed ETF that selects undervalued US small- and mid-cap (SMID) companies with improving fundamentals within the Russell 2500 Index range.
It suits investors who want to move away from concentration in large-cap tech and diversify into small- and mid-cap value stocks.
It is an ETF run with an active management approach by Cresset.
How Does the Cresset SMID Cap ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target universe | SMID companies within the Russell 2500 Index range |
| Management style | Active (stock selection) |
| Rebalancing frequency | As needed, based on a business cycle framework |
| Distribution frequency | Check the distribution policy |
| Total expense ratio | 0.55% |
Using a business cycle framework, the fund selects small- and mid-cap stocks with strong financial health, relatively low valuations, and signs of improving fundamentals. It aims for a diversified portfolio of several dozen holdings spread across sectors.
- Value-oriented active selection strategy
- Focus on the small- and mid-cap segment to avoid large-cap tech concentration
Cresset SMID Cap ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $93.8M, and the total expense ratio is 0.55% per year.
Its key differentiator is greater discretion in stock selection compared with passive ETFs in the same category.
Cresset SMID Cap ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe small- and mid-cap category is more volatile than large caps, and its relative performance has been mixed depending on interest rates and the economic cycle. Recently, attention has also been shifting from large-cap tech concentration toward a re-rating of small- and mid-cap value stocks.
As a new active SMID strategy, the fund is in the early stage of attracting inflows, and future fund flows may change depending on shifting investor interest in small- and mid-cap value stocks and on market conditions. Given the nature of active funds, initial asset size is fluid.
Cresset SMID Cap ETF Pros and Cons
Value-oriented active selection may offer diversification benefits, but the drawbacks are the fee burden and the uncertainty of management results that come with active management.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Cresset SMID Cap ETF Alternatives and Related Products
Data on comparable listed active SMID funds is still limited. Instead, passive alternatives offering similar small- and mid-cap exposure include IWM, which tracks the Russell 2000 Index, IWN, which covers Russell 2000 value stocks, and IJR, which tracks S&P small caps. AVUV and VBR, which specialize in the value factor, can also be compared.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VUG | Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF | $84.03 | -1.2% | $220.8B | 0.03% | 0.41% | +1.1% |
 VTV | Vanguard Morningstar Value ETF | $228.57 | +0.2% | $196.0B | 0.03% | 1.82% | +23.1% |
 IWF | iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF | $116.22 | -1.2% | $120.4B | 0.18% | 0.37% | -4.3% |
 IWD | iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF | $259.36 | +0.3% | $83.2B | 0.18% | 1.36% | +26.8% |
 IVW | iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF | $133.05 | -1.1% | $74.4B | 0.18% | 0.36% | +6.6% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MSBT | Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust | 0.09% | $21.94 | -0.2% | $0.0M | - | - |
 DT | Dynatrace Inc | 0.03% | $55.13 | -4.4% | $15.9B | 109.6 | - |
 HII | Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc | 0.03% | $313.70 | -1.0% | $12.4B | 16.9 | 1.78% |
 VTRS | Viatris Inc | 0.03% | $18.67 | -1.9% | $21.4B | - | 2.7% |
 THG | Hanover Insurance Group Inc | 0.03% | $248.40 | +2.6% | $8.5B | 11.9 | 1.55% |
 ST | Sensata Technologies Holding Plc | 0.03% | $41.23 | +2.4% | $6.0B | 16.5 | 1.23% |
 WHD | Cactus Inc | 0.03% | $62.22 | -5.3% | $5.0B | 46.7 | 0.93% |
 MSM | MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc | 0.03% | $119.62 | -1.2% | $6.7B | 30.1 | 2.98% |
 SAFT | Safety Insurance Group Inc | 0.02% | $104.27 | +0.4% | $1.5B | 22.4 | 3.53% |
 KTB | Kontoor Brands Inc | 0.02% | $77.30 | +4.1% | $4.2B | 16.1 | 2.73% |
Cresset SMID Cap ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in CVSM. Because it is a new active fund, you need to understand the strategy, confirm costs, and review the management track record together. Use the checklist below as a reference for your investment decision.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense ratio | Check the level of active management fees | Higher than passive funds |
| 📊 Track record | Performance history of a new fund | Early stage of accumulation |
| 🏢 Small- and mid-cap weighting | Check the portfolio's market cap range | Stays within the Russell 2500 range |
| 💧 Liquidity | Trading volume and bid-ask spread | Needs checking |
As a new active fund, it has a short performance track record, and you should also consider the volatility and liquidity risk typical of small- and mid-cap stocks. It is also worth noting that performance versus the benchmark depends on the managers' judgment.
It is an active option worth considering for investors who want to move away from large-cap tech concentration and diversify into small- and mid-cap value stocks, and it is worth weighing its active fee and performance against passive alternatives such as IWM and IJR.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of July 2, 2026.
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