BSVO vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BSVO (EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BSVO is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Bridgeway, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. BSVO is actively managed, while SMLV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BSVO returned 19.64%/yr vs 17.62%/yr for SMLV. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BSVO charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

BSVO vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSVO achieves a 21.48% return, which is significantly higher than SMLV's 16.87% return.

BSVO

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 2.56%
• YTD: 21.48%
• 6M: 19.00%
• 1Y: 44.85%
• 3Y*: 19.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMLV

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 16.87%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 27.44%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 8.93%
• 10Y*: 10.73%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BSVO vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BSVO EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF	21.48%	9.21%	4.68%	21.95%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	16.87%	5.66%	16.77%	9.64%

Correlation

The correlation between BSVO and SMLV is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2023	0.92

The correlation between BSVO and SMLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

BSVO vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BSVO	SMLV
Financial Services	33.1%	30.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.1%	8.9%
Energy	14.2%	1.6%
Industrials	13.2%	14.2%
Basic Materials	6.0%	3.4%
Technology	5.7%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.0%
Communication Services	4.1%	2.2%
Healthcare	3.4%	8.7%
Real Estate	0.6%	12.3%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

BSVO vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BSVO

BSVO Risk / Return Rank: 80
BSVO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
BSVO Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
BSVO Omega Ratio Rank: 72
BSVO Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
BSVO Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 59
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BSVO vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BSVO	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	1.76	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	2.51	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.32	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.42	3.75	+1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.42	10.36	+5.06

BSVO vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSVO Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is higher than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSVO and SMLV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BSVO vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSVO drawdown since its inception was -28.67%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSVO and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSVO	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.67%	-42.45%	+13.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.31%	-7.34%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.67%	-20.40%	-8.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-1.23%	-1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.66%	-5.44%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	2.65%	+0.27%

Volatility

BSVO vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO) has a higher volatility of 4.95% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.46%. This indicates that BSVO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSVO	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	3.46%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.18%	9.90%	+2.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.01%	15.71%	+3.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.66%	18.26%	+3.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.66%	20.96%	+0.70%

BSVO vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSVO has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSVO vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

BSVO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, less than SMLV's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSVO EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF	1.25%	1.52%	1.61%	1.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.88%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSVO and SMLV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BSVO and SMLV move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BSVO or SMLV?

BSVO has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to SMLV (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSVO dropped -28.67% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, BSVO or SMLV?

On 3-year performance, BSVO leads with 19.64% vs 17.62% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSVO or SMLV?

Over the 3-year period, BSVO has performed better with a 19.64% return vs 17.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSVO or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for BSVO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BSVO or SMLV?

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 1.25% for BSVO.

What is the main difference between BSVO and SMLV?

BSVO is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. They also come from different issuers: Bridgeway and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for BSVO and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSVO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.76), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.