RVT vs SPY
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RVT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 473 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.68% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.04% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.28% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 1986 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RVT vs SPY Performance
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc (RVT) 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 RVT returned +30.04% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, RVT is up 21.68% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, RVT compounded at +20.28% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -79.1% for RVT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RVT charges 1.34% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $9 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RVT currently yields 6.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RVT and SPY share 7 holdings out of 967 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RVT or SPY?
RVT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RVT or SPY?
Over the past year RVT returned +30.04% vs +21.96% for SPY, so RVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), RVT annualized +3.05% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RVT or SPY?
RVT has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RVT -79.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RVT and SPY?
RVT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RVT and SPY?
RVT and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 967 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RVT or SPY?
RVT yields 6.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RVT 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.