EDIV vs. SMLV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

EDIV (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EDIV is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities 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, EDIV returned 8.40%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for SMLV. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EDIV charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

EDIV vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) 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, EDIV achieves a 9.11% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 22.24% return. Over the past 10 years, EDIV has underperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 8.40%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively higher 10.42% annualized return.

EDIV

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 1.79%
• 6M: 6.50%
• YTD: 9.11%
• 1Y: 13.09%
• 3Y*: 16.35%
• 5Y*: 12.20%
• 10Y*: 8.40%
• ALL TIME*: 3.21%

SMLV

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 4.61%
• 6M: 15.91%
• YTD: 22.24%
• 1Y: 28.48%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 10.21%
• 10Y*: 10.42%
• ALL TIME*: 11.06%

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

EDIV vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	9.11%	16.45%	12.75%	41.91%	-15.31%	11.21%	-9.95%	11.80%	-6.16%	28.20%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	22.24%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between EDIV and SMLV is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.46

EDIV vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDIV	SMLV
Financial Services	30.3%	30.9%
Communication Services	14.0%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	13.2%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	9.0%
Technology	9.7%	11.8%
Industrials	9.2%	14.3%
Real Estate	3.3%	11.9%
Energy	3.2%	1.5%
Utilities	2.4%	2.7%
Basic Materials	1.5%	3.3%
Healthcare	1.4%	8.9%

Return for Risk

EDIV vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 36
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 37
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 33

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 81
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

EDIV vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) 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.

	EDIV	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.85	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	2.68	-1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.34	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	3.90	-2.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.70	10.99	-7.29

EDIV vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is lower than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EDIV 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

EDIV vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EDIV drawdown since its inception was -53.36%, which is greater than SMLV's maximum drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EDIV and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	EDIV	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.36%	-42.45%	-10.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.36%	-7.34%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.84%	-20.40%	+6.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.32%	-20.40%	-7.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.76%	-42.45%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-1.59%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.23%	-5.41%	-13.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	2.60%	+0.94%

Volatility

EDIV vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) have volatilities of 3.83% and 3.75%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EDIV	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	3.75%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	10.09%	+0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	15.46%	-2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.94%	18.23%	-4.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.30%	20.91%	-3.61%

EDIV vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

EDIV has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

EDIV vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

EDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.16%, more than SMLV's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.16%	4.69%	3.94%	4.26%	4.94%	3.84%	3.52%	3.83%	3.41%	2.99%	4.94%	5.33%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.23%	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 EDIV and SMLV in my portfolio?

EDIV and SMLV have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EDIV or SMLV?

EDIV has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to SMLV (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EDIV dropped -53.36% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, EDIV or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, SMLV leads with 10.42% vs 8.40% for EDIV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EDIV or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, SMLV has performed better with a 10.42% return vs 8.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EDIV or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EDIV.

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

EDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.16%, compared with 2.23% for SMLV.

What is the main difference between EDIV and SMLV?

EDIV is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. EDIV tracks S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EDIV and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.03), 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.