SCHD vs. SMLV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 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, SCHD returned 12.32%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for SMLV. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHD charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

SCHD vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) 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

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SCHD having a 21.36% return and SMLV slightly higher at 22.24%. Over the past 10 years, SCHD has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 12.32%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.42% annualized return.

SCHD

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 3.61%
• 6M: 15.19%
• YTD: 21.36%
• 1Y: 25.66%
• 3Y*: 13.54%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 12.32%
• ALL TIME*: 13.25%

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)

SCHD vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	21.36%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%
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 SCHD and SMLV is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.75

The correlation between SCHD and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHD vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHD	SMLV
Healthcare	20.8%	8.9%
Consumer Defensive	20.6%	3.5%
Energy	14.1%	1.5%
Technology	12.7%	11.8%
Financial Services	9.9%	30.9%
Industrials	7.8%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	9.0%
Communication Services	6.2%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.2%	3.3%
Utilities	0.1%	2.7%
Real Estate	-	11.9%

Return for Risk

SCHD vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 91
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 88
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SCHD vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) 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.

	SCHD	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.85	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	2.68	+0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.34	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.59	3.90	+1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.64	10.99	+2.65

SCHD vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHD Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHD 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

SCHD vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHD drawdown since its inception was -33.37%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHD and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHD	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.37%	-42.45%	+9.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-7.34%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-20.40%	+4.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-20.40%	+3.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.37%	-42.45%	+9.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.59%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.30%	-5.41%	+2.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	2.60%	-0.71%

Volatility

SCHD vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) have volatilities of 3.63% 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

	SCHD	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.63%	3.75%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.97%	10.09%	-2.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.05%	15.46%	-4.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.37%	18.23%	-3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.71%	20.91%	-4.20%

SCHD vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHD has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHD vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

SCHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than SMLV's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.20%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
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 SCHD and SMLV in my portfolio?

SCHD and SMLV have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SMLV?

SMLV has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to SCHD (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHD dropped -33.37% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, SCHD or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.32% vs 10.42% for SMLV. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHD or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.32% return vs 10.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHD or SMLV?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for SMLV.

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

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 2.23% for SMLV.

What is the main difference between SCHD and SMLV?

SCHD is categorized as Dividend, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHD and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.85), 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.