SMLV vs SPY
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SMLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMLV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $263M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.39% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.89% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.78% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.19% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMLV vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) 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 SMLV returned +27.89% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, SMLV is up 23.39% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, SMLV compounded at +18.78% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.19% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.9% for SMLV 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLV charges 0.12% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLV currently yields 2.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMLV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 903 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, SMLV or SPY?
SMLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLV or SPY?
Over the past year SMLV returned +27.89% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SMLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SMLV annualized +8.75% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLV or SPY?
SMLV has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMLV -42.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMLV and SPY?
SMLV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLV and SPY?
SMLV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLV or SPY?
SMLV yields 2.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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