LVHD vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LVHD (Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds - LVHD tracks the QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index while SMLV tracks the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, LVHD returned 8.03%/yr vs 10.05%/yr for SMLV. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LVHD charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

LVHD vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) 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, LVHD achieves a 6.72% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 12.88% return. Over the past 10 years, LVHD has underperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 8.03%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively higher 10.05% annualized return.

LVHD

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.27%
• YTD: 6.72%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: 9.33%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

SMLV

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 1.39%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.84%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 15.66%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

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

LVHD vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	6.72%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-5.58%	14.25%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	12.88%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between LVHD and SMLV is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2015	0.70

The correlation between LVHD and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.70 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

LVHD vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LVHD	SMLV
Utilities	25.5%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	18.5%	4.3%
Real Estate	15.0%	12.2%
Financial Services	8.6%	30.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	8.7%
Energy	6.7%	1.8%
Technology	5.9%	11.2%
Industrials	4.6%	14.3%
Healthcare	4.6%	8.7%
Communication Services	3.8%	2.2%
Basic Materials	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

LVHD vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 28
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 45
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

LVHD vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) 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.

	LVHD	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	1.40	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	2.05	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.26	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.56	3.00	-1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.98	8.20	-4.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LVHD vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LVHD Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is comparable to the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LVHD 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

	LVHD	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01	1.40	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.43	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.48	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.54	+0.02

Drawdowns

LVHD vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LVHD drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LVHD and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	LVHD	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-42.45%	+5.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.17%	-7.34%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.29%	-20.40%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.75%	-20.40%	+3.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-42.45%	+5.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.84%	-1.48%	-3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.05%	-5.46%	+1.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.68%	-0.26%

Volatility

LVHD vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) is 2.86%, while SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) has a volatility of 3.98%. This indicates that LVHD 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

	LVHD	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	3.98%	-1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.64%	9.88%	-3.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.52%	15.73%	-6.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.87%	18.28%	-5.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.50%	20.95%	-5.45%

LVHD vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

LVHD has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

LVHD vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

LVHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.40%, more than SMLV's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	3.40%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%	0.00%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.35%	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 LVHD and SMLV in my portfolio?

LVHD and SMLV have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LVHD or SMLV?

SMLV has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to LVHD (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LVHD dropped -37.32% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, LVHD or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, SMLV leads with 10.05% vs 8.03% for LVHD. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, LVHD has been the lower-risk option at 2.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LVHD or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, SMLV has performed better with a 10.05% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LVHD or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for LVHD.

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

LVHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 2.35% for SMLV.

What is the main difference between LVHD and SMLV?

LVHD tracks QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for LVHD and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.01), 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.