SMLV vs VXUS
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMLV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $263M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.93% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.46% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.70% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMLV vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMLV returned +28.46% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, SMLV is up 23.93% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMLV compounded at +18.70% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.09% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SMLV has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLV charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLV currently yields 2.21% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMLV and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8266 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 VXUS?
SMLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLV or VXUS?
Over the past year SMLV returned +28.46% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so SMLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SMLV annualized +8.79% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLV or VXUS?
SMLV has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMLV -42.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMLV and VXUS?
SMLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLV and VXUS?
SMLV and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8266 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLV or VXUS?
SMLV yields 2.21% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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