SMLF vs SPY
iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SMLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMLF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 934 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.81% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.50% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMLF vs SPY Performance
iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMLF returned +27.38% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SMLF is up 19.81% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SMLF compounded at +19.50% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.83% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SMLF has the edge at +11.21% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -43.1% for SMLF 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLF 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, SMLF currently yields 0.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMLF and SPY share 3 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMLF or SPY?
SMLF 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, SMLF or SPY?
Over the past year SMLF returned +27.38% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SMLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SMLF annualized +11.21% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLF or SPY?
SMLF has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMLF -43.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMLF and SPY?
SMLF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLF and SPY?
SMLF and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLF or SPY?
SMLF yields 0.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.