SLYV vs. SDY

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SLYV (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLYV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while SDY is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SLYV returned 10.65%/yr vs 9.61%/yr for SDY. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SLYV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SDY.

Performance

SLYV vs. SDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLYV achieves a 19.47% return, which is significantly higher than SDY's 10.37% return. Over the past 10 years, SLYV has outperformed SDY with an annualized return of 10.65%, while SDY has yielded a comparatively lower 9.61% annualized return.

SLYV

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 19.47%
• 6M: 16.63%
• 1Y: 41.92%
• 3Y*: 14.32%
• 5Y*: 6.28%
• 10Y*: 10.65%

SDY

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.57%
• YTD: 10.37%
• 6M: 9.32%
• 1Y: 16.30%
• 3Y*: 10.29%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

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

SLYV vs. SDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLYV SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF	19.47%	6.54%	7.28%	14.82%	-11.08%	30.57%	2.68%	24.26%	-12.77%	11.74%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	10.37%	8.18%	8.45%	2.61%	-0.54%	25.32%	1.71%	23.29%	-2.74%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SLYV and SDY 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	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2005	0.85

The correlation between SLYV and SDY shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.85 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SLYV vs. SDY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SLYV	SDY
Financial Services	19.5%	11.9%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	5.9%
Technology	13.4%	11.8%
Industrials	11.6%	17.1%
Real Estate	8.6%	4.4%
Healthcare	7.3%	7.4%
Energy	7.0%	3.0%
Basic Materials	6.9%	5.9%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	16.1%
Utilities	2.1%	14.0%

Return for Risk

SLYV vs. SDY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLYV

SLYV Risk / Return Rank: 79
SLYV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SLYV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SLYV Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SLYV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SLYV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SDY

SDY Risk / Return Rank: 45
SDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SDY Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SDY Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

SLYV vs. SDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY). 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.

	SLYV	SDY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.44	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	2.20	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.25	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.20	1.95	+2.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.96	5.30	+8.66

SLYV vs. SDY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLYV Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the SDY Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLYV and SDY, 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

SLYV vs. SDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLYV drawdown since its inception was -61.15%, which is greater than SDY's maximum drawdown of -54.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLYV and SDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLYV	SDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.15%	-54.75%	-6.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-7.67%	-1.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.68%	-14.39%	-14.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	-15.21%	-13.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.73%	-36.70%	-11.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.50%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.93%	-6.20%	-2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	2.83%	-0.01%

Volatility

SLYV vs. SDY - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) at 2.89%. This indicates that SLYV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SDY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLYV	SDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	2.89%	+1.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	7.47%	+4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.31%	10.42%	+7.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.97%	14.05%	+7.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.96%	17.09%	+6.87%

SLYV vs. SDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLYV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SDY's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLYV vs. SDY - Dividend Comparison

SLYV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, less than SDY's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	2.42%	2.61%	2.56%	2.64%	2.55%	2.63%	2.85%	2.45%	2.73%	4.69%	3.30%	6.20%
SLYV SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF	1.75%	2.02%	2.30%	2.11%	1.47%	1.94%	1.40%	1.67%	2.14%	5.53%	2.18%	6.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLYV and SDY in my portfolio?

SLYV and SDY 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, SLYV or SDY?

SLYV has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to SDY (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLYV dropped -61.15% vs SDY's -54.75%.

Which ETF is better, SLYV or SDY?

On 10-year performance, SLYV leads with 10.65% vs 9.61% for SDY. On fees, SLYV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SDY has been the lower-risk option at 2.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLYV or SDY?

Over the 10-year period, SLYV has performed better with a 10.65% return vs 9.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLYV or SDY?

SLYV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SDY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLYV or SDY?

SDY has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 1.75% for SLYV.

What is the main difference between SLYV and SDY?

SLYV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while SDY is Mid Cap Value Equities. SLYV tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while SDY tracks S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for SLYV and 0.35% for SDY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.44), 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.