CGDV vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

CGDV (Capital Group Dividend Value ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGDV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. CGDV is actively managed, while SMLV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CGDV returned 24.27%/yr vs 15.62%/yr for SMLV. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CGDV charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

CGDV vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) 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, CGDV achieves a 10.15% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 14.81% return.

CGDV

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 1.46%
• YTD: 10.15%
• 6M: 10.88%
• 1Y: 27.58%
• 3Y*: 24.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMLV

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 14.81%
• 6M: 15.50%
• 1Y: 23.44%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 8.02%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

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

CGDV vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CGDV Capital Group Dividend Value ETF	10.15%	25.50%	20.10%	28.81%	-2.89%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	14.81%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-0.82%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDV and SMLV is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.75

The correlation between CGDV and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CGDV vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDV	SMLV
Technology	34.1%	11.2%
Industrials	13.2%	14.3%
Healthcare	11.5%	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	8.7%
Communication Services	8.4%	2.2%
Financial Services	6.8%	30.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	4.3%
Energy	3.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	2.9%	3.2%
Utilities	2.1%	2.9%
Real Estate	1.1%	12.2%

Return for Risk

CGDV vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGDV

CGDV Risk / Return Rank: 76
CGDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
CGDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
CGDV Omega Ratio Rank: 81
CGDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
CGDV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 54
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

CGDV vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) 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.

	CGDV	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.50	+0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	2.17	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.28	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	3.21	-0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.37	8.78	+4.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGDV vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is higher than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDV 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CGDV	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	1.50	+0.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.21	0.55	+0.66

Drawdowns

CGDV vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDV drawdown since its inception was -21.82%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDV and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDV	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.82%	-42.45%	+20.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.75%	-7.34%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-20.40%	+6.12%
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	-2.22%	0.00%	-2.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-5.45%	+1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.68%	-0.61%

Volatility

CGDV vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) is 3.60%, while SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) has a volatility of 4.09%. This indicates that CGDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGDV	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	4.09%	-0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.47%	9.92%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.85%	15.73%	-3.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.51%	18.29%	-2.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.51%	20.96%	-5.45%

CGDV vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDV has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDV vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

CGDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than SMLV's 2.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDV Capital Group Dividend Value ETF	1.19%	1.29%	1.60%	1.65%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.31%	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 CGDV and SMLV in my portfolio?

CGDV and SMLV have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDV or SMLV?

SMLV has higher volatility (4.09%) compared to CGDV (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDV dropped -21.82% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, CGDV or SMLV?

On 3-year performance, CGDV leads with 24.27% vs 15.62% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, CGDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDV or SMLV?

Over the 3-year period, CGDV has performed better with a 24.27% return vs 15.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDV or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CGDV.

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

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.19% for CGDV.

What is the main difference between CGDV and SMLV?

CGDV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CGDV and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.50), 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.