DXJ vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DXJ (WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Index, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DXJ returned 19.25%/yr vs 10.81%/yr for SMLV. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DXJ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

DXJ vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) 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, DXJ achieves a 20.23% return, which is significantly higher than SMLV's 17.79% return. Over the past 10 years, DXJ has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 19.25%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.81% annualized return.

DXJ

• 1D: -3.57%
• 1M: 2.21%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 20.18%
• 1Y: 55.89%
• 3Y*: 31.66%
• 5Y*: 26.40%
• 10Y*: 19.25%

SMLV

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 3.94%
• YTD: 17.79%
• 6M: 16.16%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 8.90%
• 10Y*: 10.81%

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

DXJ vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DXJ WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund	20.23%	32.78%	29.83%	42.04%	5.96%	17.99%	3.94%	18.94%	-19.78%	22.81%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	17.79%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between DXJ and SMLV is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.54

The correlation between DXJ and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (3 years) to 0.54 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DXJ vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXJ	SMLV
Industrials	27.4%	14.2%
Financial Services	18.3%	30.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.6%	8.9%
Technology	12.9%	11.7%
Basic Materials	8.5%	3.4%
Healthcare	6.8%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.0%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.2%
Energy	1.7%	1.6%
Utilities	0.1%	2.8%
Real Estate	-	12.3%

Return for Risk

DXJ vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXJ

DXJ Risk / Return Rank: 90
DXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 90

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 59
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
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.

DXJ vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) 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.

	DXJ	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	1.71	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	2.44	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.31	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.12	3.64	+1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.78	10.04	+9.75

DXJ vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.10, which is higher than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXJ 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

DXJ vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXJ drawdown since its inception was -49.63%, which is greater than SMLV's maximum drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXJ and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXJ	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.63%	-42.45%	-7.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-7.34%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.19%	-20.40%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.19%	-20.40%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.14%	-42.45%	+3.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.57%	-0.45%	-3.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.30%	-5.44%	-8.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.65%	+0.18%

Volatility

DXJ vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) has a higher volatility of 6.28% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.51%. This indicates that DXJ'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

	DXJ	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.28%	3.51%	+2.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.08%	9.92%	+4.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.14%	15.70%	+2.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	18.26%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.00%	20.94%	-0.94%

DXJ vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXJ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXJ vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

DXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than SMLV's 2.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DXJ WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund	1.08%	1.29%	3.48%	3.44%	3.02%	2.64%	2.53%	2.47%	2.92%	2.30%	1.98%	5.95%
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 DXJ and SMLV in my portfolio?

DXJ and SMLV have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DXJ or SMLV?

DXJ has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to SMLV (3.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXJ dropped -49.63% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, DXJ or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, DXJ leads with 19.25% vs 10.81% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXJ or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, DXJ has performed better with a 19.25% return vs 10.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXJ or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for DXJ.

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

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.08% for DXJ.

What is the main difference between DXJ and SMLV?

DXJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. DXJ tracks WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for DXJ and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 1.71), 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.