LVHD vs SPY
Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVHD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $644M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.73% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.05% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.02% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LVHD vs SPY Performance
Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LVHD returned +11.73% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, LVHD is up 12.95% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, LVHD compounded at +11.05% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.02% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.43%. 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 13.5% for LVHD. 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 -37.3% for LVHD 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVHD charges 0.27% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $9 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LVHD currently yields 3.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LVHD and SPY share 57 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LVHD or SPY?
LVHD has an expense ratio of 0.27% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LVHD or SPY?
Over the past year LVHD returned +11.73% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LVHD annualized +7.43% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LVHD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.5% for LVHD. Worst drawdown: LVHD -37.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LVHD and SPY?
LVHD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LVHD and SPY?
LVHD and SPY share 57 common holdings with a 7.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVHD or SPY?
LVHD yields 3.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LVHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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