SLYG vs. SMMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) and SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - SLYG tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index while SMMD tracks the Russell 2500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SLYG returned 5.49%/yr vs 7.64%/yr for SMMD. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

SLYG vs. SMMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLYG achieves a 15.50% return, which is significantly lower than SMMD's 18.37% return.

SLYG

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 0.98%
• YTD: 15.50%
• 6M: 13.61%
• 1Y: 26.20%
• 3Y*: 14.46%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

SMMD

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 4.41%
• YTD: 18.37%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 36.03%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

SLYG vs. SMMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	15.50%	5.20%	9.38%	17.27%	-21.26%	22.42%	19.48%	20.97%	-4.20%	9.71%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	18.37%	11.72%	11.87%	17.71%	-18.53%	18.30%	19.98%	28.01%	-10.58%	10.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SLYG and SMMD is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2017	0.92

The correlation between SLYG and SMMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

SLYG vs. SMMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SLYG	SMMD
Technology	20.1%	18.8%
Industrials	19.5%	21.0%
Healthcare	14.4%	11.8%
Financial Services	13.9%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	10.6%
Real Estate	6.4%	6.7%
Energy	5.1%	4.9%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	2.8%
Basic Materials	2.8%	4.4%
Utilities	1.9%	2.7%

Return for Risk

SLYG vs. SMMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 48
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

SLYG vs. SMMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). 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.

	SLYG	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.11	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	2.96	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.36	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	3.75	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	14.29	-4.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SLYG vs. SMMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLYG Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the SMMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLYG and SMMD, 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

	SLYG	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	2.11	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	0.37	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.50	-0.19

Drawdowns

SLYG vs. SMMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLYG drawdown since its inception was -62.15%, which is greater than SMMD's maximum drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLYG and SMMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLYG	SMMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.15%	-41.06%	-21.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.10%	-9.66%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.39%	-25.50%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.18%	-28.26%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-0.63%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.55%	-8.37%	-6.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	2.53%	+0.07%

Volatility

SLYG vs. SMMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) is 4.59%, while iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that SLYG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLYG	SMMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	5.17%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	12.58%	-0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.57%	17.20%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.51%	20.82%	+0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.74%	22.37%	+0.37%

SLYG vs. SMMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SLYG and SMMD have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SLYG vs. SMMD - Dividend Comparison

SLYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, less than SMMD's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.71%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.05%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLYG and SMMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SLYG and SMMD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SLYG or SMMD?

SMMD has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to SLYG (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLYG dropped -62.15% vs SMMD's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, SLYG or SMMD?

On 5-year performance, SMMD leads with 7.64% vs 5.49% for SLYG. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, SLYG has been the lower-risk option at 4.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLYG or SMMD?

Over the 5-year period, SMMD has performed better with a 7.64% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLYG or SMMD?

SLYG and SMMD have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLYG or SMMD?

SMMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.71% for SLYG.

What is the main difference between SLYG and SMMD?

SLYG tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, while SMMD tracks Russell 2500 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.50), 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.