SMLV vs VTI
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMLV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $263M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.39% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.89% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.78% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.19% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
SMLV vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMLV returned +27.89% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, SMLV is up 23.39% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, SMLV compounded at +18.78% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.19% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SMLV has the edge at +8.75% annualized vs +8.10%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLV charges 0.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLV currently yields 2.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMLV and VTI share 288 holdings out of 2898 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 VTI?
SMLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLV or VTI?
Over the past year SMLV returned +27.89% vs +21.12% for VTI, so SMLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SMLV annualized +8.75% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLV or VTI?
SMLV has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMLV -42.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMLV and VTI?
SMLV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLV and VTI?
SMLV and VTI share 288 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLV or VTI?
SMLV yields 2.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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