SLYV vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SLYV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLYV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 463 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.94% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.35% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.60% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.26% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SLYV vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV) 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 SLYV returned +32.35% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SLYV is up 22.94% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SLYV compounded at +14.60% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.26% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SLYV has the edge at +13.62% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLYV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.6% 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 -63.1% for SLYV 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLYV 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, SLYV currently yields 1.81% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SLYV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 965 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, SLYV or SPY?
SLYV 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, SLYV or SPY?
Over the past year SLYV returned +32.35% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SLYV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), SLYV annualized +13.62% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLYV or SPY?
SLYV has been the more volatile fund at 44.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SLYV -63.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SLYV and SPY?
SLYV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLYV and SPY?
SLYV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLYV or SPY?
SLYV yields 1.81% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SLYV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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