SMLL vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMLL (Harbor Active Small Cap ETF) and SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SMLL is actively managed, while SPSM is passively managed. Over the past year, SMLL returned -1.64% vs 31.50% for SPSM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMLL charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

SMLL vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMLL achieves a 1.85% return, which is significantly lower than SPSM's 15.28% return.

SMLL

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 1.85%
• 6M: 1.53%
• 1Y: -1.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPSM

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 14.19%
• 1Y: 31.50%
• 3Y*: 14.42%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

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

SMLL vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	1.85%	-6.31%	10.75%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	15.28%	6.11%	0.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SMLL and SPSM is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2024	0.87

The correlation between SMLL and SPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMLL vs. SPSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMLL	SPSM
Industrials	27.6%	15.5%
Financial Services	19.8%	16.9%
Technology	18.0%	15.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	13.4%
Energy	6.9%	5.9%
Basic Materials	5.7%	5.1%
Healthcare	5.7%	11.0%
Real Estate	4.0%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	3.5%
Utilities	0.5%	2.0%
Communication Services	-	3.6%

Return for Risk

SMLL vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMLL

SMLL Risk / Return Rank: 8
SMLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Martin Ratio Rank: 8

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

SMLL vs. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

	SMLL	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.09	1.82	-1.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.01	2.64	-2.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.32	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	3.63	-3.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.22	12.14	-12.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMLL vs. SPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMLL Sharpe Ratio is -0.09, which is lower than the SPSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMLL and SPSM, 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

	SMLL	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09	1.82	-1.91
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.45	-0.29

Drawdowns

SMLL vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMLL drawdown since its inception was -23.56%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMLL and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMLL	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.56%	-42.89%	+19.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.53%	-8.72%	-6.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.47%	-0.97%	-10.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.71%	-7.93%	-0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.60%	2.60%	+5.00%

Volatility

SMLL vs. SPSM - Volatility Comparison

Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) have volatilities of 4.26% and 4.44%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMLL	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	4.44%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.80%	11.64%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.46%	17.47%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.39%	21.43%	-1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.39%	22.99%	-2.60%

SMLL vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMLL has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMLL vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

SMLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than SPSM's 1.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	2.33%	2.37%	0.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.43%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMLL and SPSM in my portfolio?

SMLL and SPSM have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMLL or SPSM?

SPSM has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to SMLL (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMLL dropped -23.56% vs SPSM's -42.89%.

Which ETF is better, SMLL or SPSM?

On 1-year performance, SPSM leads with 31.50% vs -1.64% for SMLL. On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SMLL has been the lower-risk option at 4.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMLL or SPSM?

Over the 1-year period, SPSM has performed better with a 31.50% return vs -1.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMLL or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for SMLL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMLL or SPSM?

SMLL has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.43% for SPSM.

What is the main difference between SMLL and SPSM?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for SMLL and 0.05% for SPSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs -0.09), 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.