LVHI vs SPY
Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LVHI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVHI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 300 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.32% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.46% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.08% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 27, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LVHI vs SPY Performance
Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) 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 LVHI returned +26.73% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, LVHI is up 15.32% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, LVHI compounded at +23.46% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +16.08% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, LVHI has the edge at +11.48% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 11.0% for LVHI. 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 -32.3% for LVHI 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVHI charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LVHI currently yields 3.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LVHI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 697 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LVHI or SPY?
LVHI has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LVHI or SPY?
Over the past year LVHI returned +26.73% vs +21.82% for SPY, so LVHI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), LVHI annualized +11.48% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LVHI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for LVHI. Worst drawdown: LVHI -32.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LVHI and SPY?
LVHI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LVHI and SPY?
LVHI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 697 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVHI or SPY?
LVHI yields 3.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LVHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.