LGLV vs SPY
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LGLV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 174 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.16% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.09% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LGLV vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LGLV returned +8.09% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, LGLV is up 8.16% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, LGLV compounded at +13.28% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.06% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, LGLV has the edge at +9.79% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.9% for LGLV. 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 -37.0% for LGLV 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGLV charges 0.12% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGLV currently yields 1.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LGLV and SPY share 124 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGLV or SPY?
LGLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGLV or SPY?
Over the past year LGLV returned +8.09% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), LGLV annualized +9.79% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGLV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for LGLV. Worst drawdown: LGLV -37.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LGLV and SPY?
LGLV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGLV and SPY?
LGLV and SPY share 124 common holdings with a 19.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGLV or SPY?
LGLV yields 1.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LGLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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