SMLV vs. BSVO

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) and BSVO (EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index, while BSVO is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Bridgeway. SMLV is passively managed, while BSVO is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SMLV returned 16.97%/yr vs 19.99%/yr for BSVO. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMLV charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for BSVO.

Performance

SMLV vs. BSVO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) and EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMLV achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly lower than BSVO's 20.22% return.

SMLV

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 24.52%
• 3Y*: 16.97%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 10.15%

BSVO

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 20.22%
• 6M: 19.77%
• 1Y: 45.25%
• 3Y*: 19.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMLV vs. BSVO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	14.58%	5.66%	16.77%	12.02%
BSVO EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF	20.22%	9.21%	4.68%	22.38%

Correlation

The correlation between SMLV and BSVO is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 14, 2023	0.92

The correlation between SMLV and BSVO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMLV vs. BSVO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMLV	BSVO
Financial Services	30.5%	32.3%
Industrials	14.3%	13.8%
Real Estate	12.2%	0.6%
Technology	11.2%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	14.3%
Healthcare	8.7%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.2%	6.0%
Utilities	2.9%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	3.9%
Energy	1.8%	15.8%

Return for Risk

SMLV vs. BSVO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 52
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 46
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 54

BSVO

BSVO Risk / Return Rank: 79
BSVO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
BSVO Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
BSVO Omega Ratio Rank: 71
BSVO Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
BSVO Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

SMLV vs. BSVO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) and EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO). 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.

	SMLV	BSVO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.41	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	3.39	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.42	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	5.47	-2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.18	15.58	-6.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMLV vs. BSVO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the BSVO Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMLV and BSVO, 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

	SMLV	BSVO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.57	2.41	-0.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.81	-0.26

Drawdowns

SMLV vs. BSVO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMLV drawdown since its inception was -42.45%, which is greater than BSVO's maximum drawdown of -28.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMLV and BSVO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMLV	BSVO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.45%	-28.67%	-13.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.34%	-8.31%	+0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.40%	-28.67%	+8.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.09%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-5.72%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.91%	-0.23%

Volatility

SMLV vs. BSVO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) is 4.12%, while EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF (BSVO) has a volatility of 4.83%. This indicates that SMLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BSVO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMLV	BSVO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	4.83%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	12.07%	-2.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.75%	18.88%	-3.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	21.73%	-3.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.95%	21.73%	-0.78%

SMLV vs. BSVO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMLV has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than BSVO's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMLV vs. BSVO - Dividend Comparison

SMLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than BSVO's 1.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSVO EA Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value ETF	1.26%	1.52%	1.61%	1.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.31%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMLV and BSVO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SMLV and BSVO move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SMLV or BSVO?

BSVO has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to SMLV (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMLV dropped -42.45% vs BSVO's -28.67%.

Which ETF is better, SMLV or BSVO?

On 3-year performance, BSVO leads with 19.99% vs 16.97% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMLV or BSVO?

Over the 3-year period, BSVO has performed better with a 19.99% return vs 16.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMLV or BSVO?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for BSVO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMLV or BSVO?

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.26% for BSVO.

What is the main difference between SMLV and BSVO?

SMLV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while BSVO is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Bridgeway. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for SMLV and 0.47% for BSVO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSVO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.57), 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.