SPMD vs. OPTZ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SPMD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF) and OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - SPMD tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Index while OPTZ tracks the Optimize Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SPMD returned 27.54% vs 68.17% for OPTZ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPMD charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OPTZ.

Performance

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPMD achieves a 15.83% return, which is significantly lower than OPTZ's 36.96% return.

SPMD

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.74%
• YTD: 15.83%
• 6M: 13.38%
• 1Y: 27.54%
• 3Y*: 16.54%
• 5Y*: 8.92%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

OPTZ

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 10.57%
• YTD: 36.96%
• 6M: 34.58%
• 1Y: 68.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	15.83%	7.44%	10.18%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	36.96%	22.83%	16.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SPMD and OPTZ is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2024	0.88

The correlation between SPMD and OPTZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPMD vs. OPTZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPMD

SPMD Risk / Return Rank: 57
SPMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPMD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SPMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SPMD Martin Ratio Rank: 64

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 94
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 92
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SPMD	OPTZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	3.50	-1.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	4.43	-1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.58	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	6.45	-3.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	28.40	-16.95

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is lower than the OPTZ Sharpe Ratio of 3.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPMD and OPTZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPMD drawdown since its inception was -57.62%, which is greater than OPTZ's maximum drawdown of -25.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPMD and OPTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPMD	OPTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.62%	-25.75%	-31.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-10.63%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	0.00%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.10%	-3.36%	-4.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.41%	0.00%

Volatility

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) is 4.55%, while Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) has a volatility of 9.04%. This indicates that SPMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OPTZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPMD	OPTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	9.04%	-4.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.74%	15.69%	-3.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.89%	19.62%	-3.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	21.18%	-1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	21.18%	+0.03%

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPMD has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than OPTZ's 0.25% 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

SPMD vs. OPTZ - Dividend Comparison

SPMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, more than OPTZ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.43%	0.58%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	1.53%	1.39%	1.42%	1.47%	1.64%	1.24%	1.30%	1.57%	1.85%	1.97%	2.13%	5.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPMD and OPTZ in my portfolio?

SPMD and OPTZ have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPMD or OPTZ?

OPTZ has higher volatility (9.04%) compared to SPMD (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPMD dropped -57.62% vs OPTZ's -25.75%.

Which ETF is better, SPMD or OPTZ?

On 1-year performance, OPTZ leads with 68.17% vs 27.54% for SPMD. On fees, SPMD is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SPMD has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPMD or OPTZ?

Over the 1-year period, OPTZ has performed better with a 68.17% return vs 27.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPMD or OPTZ?

SPMD is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for OPTZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPMD or OPTZ?

SPMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 0.43% for OPTZ.

What is the main difference between SPMD and OPTZ?

SPMD tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index, while OPTZ tracks Optimize Strategy Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Optimize. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SPMD and 0.25% for OPTZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPTZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.50 vs 1.74), 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.