SMIG vs. ISVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMIG (Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF) and ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. SMIG is actively managed, while ISVL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SMIG returned 13.09%/yr vs 21.34%/yr for ISVL. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMIG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for ISVL.

Performance

SMIG vs. ISVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMIG achieves a 10.18% return, which is significantly higher than ISVL's 8.45% return.

SMIG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 1.31%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 11.46%
• 1Y: 11.81%
• 3Y*: 13.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISVL

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 8.45%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 28.37%
• 3Y*: 21.34%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMIG vs. ISVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SMIG Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF	10.18%	0.78%	17.63%	13.62%	-11.83%	5.51%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	8.45%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-13.69%	0.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIG and ISVL is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 27, 2021	0.68

The correlation between SMIG and ISVL shifts across timeframes, from 0.57 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SMIG vs. ISVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMIG	ISVL
Technology	19.8%	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	17.2%	10.4%
Financial Services	14.2%	20.8%
Industrials	13.9%	23.3%
Energy	12.8%	7.3%
Healthcare	10.1%	3.7%
Basic Materials	7.9%	9.1%
Real Estate	6.9%	11.1%
Utilities	5.4%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	5.3%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.0%

Return for Risk

SMIG vs. ISVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIG

SMIG Risk / Return Rank: 27
SMIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
SMIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
SMIG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
SMIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
SMIG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 54
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

SMIG vs. ISVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). 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.

	SMIG	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	1.98	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	2.78	-1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.36	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	2.28	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.62	8.95	-5.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMIG vs. ISVL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIG Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is lower than the ISVL Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIG and ISVL, 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

	SMIG	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99	1.98	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.70	-0.26

Drawdowns

SMIG vs. ISVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIG drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, smaller than the maximum ISVL drawdown of -30.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIG and ISVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIG	ISVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.65%	-30.48%	+10.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.52%	-12.48%	+3.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.23%	-12.93%	-6.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-2.16%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.55%	-6.66%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	3.18%	+0.09%

Volatility

SMIG vs. ISVL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is 3.65%, while iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) has a volatility of 4.54%. This indicates that SMIG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISVL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIG	ISVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	4.54%	-0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.43%	12.01%	-3.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	14.47%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.20%	16.90%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.20%	16.78%	-0.58%

SMIG vs. ISVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ISVL's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIG vs. ISVL - Dividend Comparison

SMIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, less than ISVL's 2.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.48%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%
SMIG Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF	1.75%	1.82%	1.75%	1.91%	2.00%	0.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIG and ISVL in my portfolio?

SMIG and ISVL have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIG or ISVL?

ISVL has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to SMIG (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIG dropped -19.65% vs ISVL's -30.48%.

Which ETF is better, SMIG or ISVL?

On 3-year performance, ISVL leads with 21.34% vs 13.09% for SMIG. On fees, ISVL is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SMIG has been the lower-risk option at 3.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIG or ISVL?

Over the 3-year period, ISVL has performed better with a 21.34% return vs 13.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIG or ISVL?

ISVL is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SMIG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMIG or ISVL?

ISVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 1.75% for SMIG.

What is the main difference between SMIG and ISVL?

They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SMIG and 0.30% for ISVL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISVL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 0.99), 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.