LGLV vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

LGLV (SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds from State Street - LGLV tracks the SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility (TR) while SMLV tracks the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, LGLV returned 11.01%/yr vs 10.21%/yr for SMLV. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.12% expense ratio.

Performance

LGLV vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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, LGLV achieves a 0.89% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 14.57% return. Over the past 10 years, LGLV has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 11.01%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.21% annualized return.

LGLV

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -2.37%
• YTD: 0.89%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 3.01%
• 3Y*: 11.09%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

SMLV

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 14.57%
• 6M: 15.88%
• 1Y: 25.23%
• 3Y*: 16.23%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

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

LGLV vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LGLV SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	0.89%	8.37%	16.22%	9.19%	-8.17%	27.95%	7.42%	30.83%	0.32%	17.84%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	14.57%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between LGLV and SMLV is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2013	0.69

The correlation between LGLV and SMLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

LGLV vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LGLV	SMLV
Industrials	18.4%	14.3%
Real Estate	17.4%	12.2%
Utilities	11.8%	2.9%
Financial Services	9.9%	30.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	8.7%
Technology	8.8%	11.2%
Healthcare	7.0%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	4.3%
Communication Services	4.2%	2.2%
Energy	3.7%	1.8%
Basic Materials	3.5%	3.2%

Return for Risk

LGLV vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

LGLV

LGLV Risk / Return Rank: 13
LGLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
LGLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
LGLV Omega Ratio Rank: 12
LGLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
LGLV Martin Ratio Rank: 14

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 51
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

LGLV vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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.

	LGLV	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.62	-1.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.54	2.33	-1.80
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.30	-0.24
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	3.29	-2.84
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.17	9.04	-7.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LGLV vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LGLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LGLV 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

	LGLV	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33	1.62	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.45	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.49	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.55	+0.21

Drawdowns

LGLV vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LGLV drawdown since its inception was -36.64%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LGLV and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	LGLV	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.64%	-42.45%	+5.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.86%	-7.34%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.17%	-20.40%	+10.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.49%	-20.40%	+2.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.64%	-42.45%	+5.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.54%	0.00%	-6.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-5.46%	+2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.68%	-0.04%

Volatility

LGLV vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) is 2.48%, while SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) has a volatility of 3.76%. This indicates that LGLV 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

	LGLV	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.48%	3.76%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.59%	9.75%	-3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.20%	15.67%	-6.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.91%	18.27%	-5.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	20.95%	-4.89%

LGLV vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both LGLV and SMLV have an expense ratio of 0.12%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

LGLV vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

LGLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, less than SMLV's 2.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LGLV SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.04%	1.94%	1.93%	2.03%	1.95%	1.65%	1.98%	1.89%	2.09%	4.39%	2.54%	2.97%
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 LGLV and SMLV in my portfolio?

LGLV and SMLV have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LGLV or SMLV?

SMLV has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to LGLV (2.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LGLV dropped -36.64% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, LGLV or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, LGLV leads with 11.01% vs 10.21% for SMLV. Both ETFs have the same 0.12% expense ratio. On volatility, LGLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LGLV or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, LGLV has performed better with a 11.01% return vs 10.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LGLV or SMLV?

LGLV and SMLV have the same expense ratio: 0.12% per year.

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

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 2.04% for LGLV.

What is the main difference between LGLV and SMLV?

LGLV tracks SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility (TR), while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 0.33), 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.