SELV vs SPY
SEI QiM US Large Cap Low Volatility Active 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 | SELV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $255M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.15% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.23% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.67% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SELV vs SPY Performance
SEI QiM US Large Cap Low Volatility Active ETF (SELV) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SELV returned +12.23% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SELV is up 8.15% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SELV compounded at +12.67% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SELV has the edge at +10.04% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 11.9% for SELV. 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 -13.7% for SELV 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SELV charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SELV currently yields 1.34% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SELV and SPY share 67 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SELV or SPY?
SELV has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SELV or SPY?
Over the past year SELV returned +12.23% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SELV annualized +10.04% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SELV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.9% for SELV. Worst drawdown: SELV -13.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SELV and SPY?
SELV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SELV and SPY?
SELV and SPY share 67 common holdings with a 19.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SELV or SPY?
SELV yields 1.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SELV 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.