SMDV vs. SYZ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SMDV (ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF) and SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SMDV is passively managed, while SYZ is actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMDV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SYZ.

Performance

SMDV vs. SYZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMDV achieves a 10.34% return, which is significantly lower than SYZ's 18.27% return.

SMDV

• 1D: 1.41%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 10.34%
• 6M: 9.74%
• 1Y: 16.31%
• 3Y*: 10.43%
• 5Y*: 4.17%
• 10Y*: 7.13%

SYZ

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 1.88%
• YTD: 18.27%
• 6M: 18.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMDV vs. SYZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	10.34%	-0.63%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	18.27%	0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDV and SYZ is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

SMDV vs. SYZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDV

SMDV Risk / Return Rank: 31
SMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
SMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 28
SMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. SYZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ). 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.

	SMDV	SYZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMDV	SYZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	1.68	-1.29

Drawdowns

SMDV vs. SYZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDV drawdown since its inception was -34.12%, which is greater than SYZ's maximum drawdown of -8.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDV and SYZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDV	SYZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.12%	-8.00%	-26.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.39%	-0.23%	-1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.93%	-2.08%	-3.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMDV	SYZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.63%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	16.62%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.70%	16.62%	+2.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.73%	16.62%	+4.11%

SMDV vs. SYZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than SYZ's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDV vs. SYZ - Dividend Comparison

SMDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.38%, more than SYZ's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	2.38%	2.67%	2.68%	2.69%	2.51%	2.02%	2.13%	2.03%	1.97%	1.84%	1.35%	1.81%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDV and SYZ in my portfolio?

SMDV and SYZ have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMDV or SYZ?

On fees, SMDV is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDV or SYZ?

SMDV is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SYZ.

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

SMDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.38%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SMDV and SYZ?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Lazard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SMDV and 0.60% for SYZ.