SMDV vs SPY
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $757M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.19% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.21% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.10% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.35% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMDV vs SPY Performance
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMDV returned +16.21% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SMDV is up 16.19% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SMDV compounded at +11.10% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.35% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -34.1% for SMDV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDV 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, SMDV currently yields 2.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMDV and SPY share 1 holdings out of 603 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMDV | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEM | 0.99% | 0.16% | 0.83% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDV or SPY?
SMDV 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, SMDV or SPY?
Over the past year SMDV returned +16.21% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SMDV annualized +8.05% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDV or SPY?
SMDV has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMDV -34.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMDV and SPY?
SMDV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDV and SPY?
SMDV and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDV or SPY?
SMDV yields 2.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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