SMDV vs. HSMV

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMDV (ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF) and HSMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SMDV is passively managed, while HSMV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, SMDV returned 7.01%/yr vs 5.07%/yr for HSMV. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMDV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for HSMV.

Performance

SMDV vs. HSMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMDV achieves a 17.34% return, which is significantly higher than HSMV's 9.00% return.

SMDV

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.67%
• 6M: 13.08%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 1Y: 17.36%
• 3Y*: 11.77%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

HSMV

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 1.99%
• 6M: 6.66%
• YTD: 9.00%
• 1Y: 9.53%
• 3Y*: 8.92%
• 5Y*: 5.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMDV vs. HSMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	17.34%	0.26%	7.03%	8.99%	-5.90%	18.98%	27.59%
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	9.00%	1.57%	13.17%	5.01%	-9.44%	23.72%	34.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDV and HSMV is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2020	0.91

The correlation between SMDV and HSMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMDV vs. HSMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMDV	HSMV
Financial Services	32.8%	16.7%
Industrials	21.9%	14.6%
Utilities	15.7%	11.7%
Basic Materials	8.3%	5.8%
Real Estate	7.5%	24.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	7.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	7.9%
Technology	2.5%	1.9%
Healthcare	1.6%	4.7%
Communication Services	1.1%	2.4%
Energy	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

SMDV vs. HSMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDV

SMDV Risk / Return Rank: 42
SMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 43

HSMV

HSMV Risk / Return Rank: 30
HSMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
HSMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
HSMV Omega Ratio Rank: 27
HSMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
HSMV Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

SMDV vs. HSMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). 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.

	SMDV	HSMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	0.91	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.41	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.16	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	1.22	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	3.68	+1.82

SMDV vs. HSMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the HSMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMDV and HSMV, 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

SMDV vs. HSMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDV drawdown since its inception was -34.12%, which is greater than HSMV's maximum drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDV and HSMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDV	HSMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.12%	-19.16%	-14.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.79%	-7.83%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.23%	-15.45%	-5.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.23%	-19.16%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-0.05%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.89%	-5.54%	-0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.60%	+0.57%

Volatility

SMDV vs. HSMV - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) has a higher volatility of 3.78% compared to First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV) at 3.11%. This indicates that SMDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HSMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMDV	HSMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	3.11%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.51%	7.70%	+2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.39%	10.56%	+4.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.57%	14.97%	+3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.72%	15.99%	+4.73%

SMDV vs. HSMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than HSMV's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDV vs. HSMV - Dividend Comparison

SMDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, more than HSMV's 1.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	1.89%	2.01%	1.43%	1.43%	1.26%	0.76%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	2.30%	2.67%	2.68%	2.69%	2.51%	2.02%	2.13%	2.03%	1.97%	1.84%	1.35%	1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDV and HSMV in my portfolio?

SMDV and HSMV have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMDV or HSMV?

SMDV has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to HSMV (3.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMDV dropped -34.12% vs HSMV's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, SMDV or HSMV?

On 5-year performance, SMDV leads with 7.01% vs 5.07% for HSMV. On fees, SMDV is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, HSMV has been the lower-risk option at 3.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMDV or HSMV?

Over the 5-year period, SMDV has performed better with a 7.01% return vs 5.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDV or HSMV?

SMDV is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HSMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMDV or HSMV?

SMDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 1.89% for HSMV.

What is the main difference between SMDV and HSMV?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SMDV and 0.80% for HSMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 0.91), 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.