SMLV vs. QLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) and QLV (FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds - SMLV tracks the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index while QLV tracks the Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SMLV returned 7.75%/yr vs 10.73%/yr for QLV. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMLV charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for QLV.

Performance

SMLV vs. QLV - 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 FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMLV achieves a 12.88% return, which is significantly higher than QLV's 5.48% return.

SMLV

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 1.39%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.84%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 15.66%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

QLV

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 2.14%
• YTD: 5.48%
• 6M: 5.38%
• 1Y: 14.06%
• 3Y*: 15.15%
• 5Y*: 10.73%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMLV vs. QLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	12.88%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	8.42%
QLV FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	5.48%	12.28%	18.08%	13.71%	-9.97%	26.08%	9.63%	6.24%

Correlation

The correlation between SMLV and QLV is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2019	0.68

The correlation between SMLV and QLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMLV vs. QLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMLV	QLV
Financial Services	30.5%	12.3%
Industrials	14.3%	6.3%
Real Estate	12.2%	1.7%
Technology	11.2%	28.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	6.8%
Healthcare	8.7%	12.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	8.5%
Basic Materials	3.2%	2.4%
Utilities	2.9%	6.5%
Communication Services	2.2%	8.4%
Energy	1.8%	5.8%

Return for Risk

SMLV vs. QLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 45
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 49

QLV

QLV Risk / Return Rank: 53
QLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
QLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QLV Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
QLV Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. QLV - 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 FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV). 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	QLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.85	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.68	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.32	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.28	+0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.20	9.69	-1.49
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. QLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the QLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMLV and QLV, 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	QLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	1.85	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.85	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.69	-0.15

Drawdowns

SMLV vs. QLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMLV drawdown since its inception was -42.45%, which is greater than QLV's maximum drawdown of -33.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMLV and QLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMLV	QLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.45%	-33.71%	-8.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.34%	-6.19%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.40%	-12.05%	-8.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.40%	-17.93%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-0.81%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-4.00%	-1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.45%	+1.23%

Volatility

SMLV vs. QLV - Volatility Comparison

SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) has a higher volatility of 3.98% compared to FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) at 1.61%. This indicates that SMLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMLV	QLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	1.61%	+2.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.88%	5.34%	+4.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.73%	7.65%	+8.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.28%	12.64%	+5.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.95%	16.57%	+4.38%

SMLV vs. QLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMLV has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than QLV's 0.22% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SMLV vs. QLV - Dividend Comparison

SMLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, more than QLV's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLV FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	1.52%	1.60%	1.66%	1.60%	1.74%	0.96%	1.24%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.35%	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 QLV in my portfolio?

SMLV and QLV have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMLV or QLV?

SMLV has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to QLV (1.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMLV dropped -42.45% vs QLV's -33.71%.

Which ETF is better, SMLV or QLV?

On 5-year performance, QLV leads with 10.73% vs 7.75% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, QLV has been the lower-risk option at 1.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMLV or QLV?

Over the 5-year period, QLV has performed better with a 10.73% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMLV or QLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for QLV.

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

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 1.52% for QLV.

What is the main difference between SMLV and QLV?

SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index, while QLV tracks Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for SMLV and 0.22% for QLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.40), 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.