SQLV vs. LVHD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SQLV (Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF) and LVHD (Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SQLV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while LVHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index. SQLV is actively managed, while LVHD is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SQLV returned 7.15%/yr vs 7.44%/yr for LVHD. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SQLV charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for LVHD.

Performance

SQLV vs. LVHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) and Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQLV achieves a 16.34% return, which is significantly higher than LVHD's 10.55% return.

SQLV

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.63%
• YTD: 16.34%
• 6M: 15.01%
• 1Y: 28.84%
• 3Y*: 13.42%
• 5Y*: 7.15%
• 10Y*: —

LVHD

• 1D: 1.56%
• 1M: 1.00%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 10.56%
• 1Y: 13.38%
• 3Y*: 10.78%
• 5Y*: 7.44%
• 10Y*: 8.35%

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

SQLV vs. LVHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQLV Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF	16.34%	2.50%	4.76%	21.21%	-12.86%	37.14%	7.13%	17.41%	-10.55%	8.84%
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	10.55%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-5.58%	7.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SQLV and LVHD is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2017	0.49

The correlation between SQLV and LVHD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

SQLV vs. LVHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SQLV	LVHD
Financial Services	19.4%	8.2%
Healthcare	18.5%	4.4%
Technology	16.9%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	13.2%	7.4%
Industrials	10.9%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.2%	21.8%
Communication Services	4.6%	2.6%
Energy	4.4%	7.4%
Basic Materials	3.4%	-
Real Estate	0.9%	15.4%
Utilities	0.6%	24.8%

Return for Risk

SQLV vs. LVHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQLV

SQLV Risk / Return Rank: 56
SQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 46
SQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 59

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 40
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 37
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

SQLV vs. LVHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) and Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD). 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.

	SQLV	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.35	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	1.99	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.23	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	2.18	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.82	5.41	+4.40

SQLV vs. LVHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the LVHD Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQLV and LVHD, 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

SQLV vs. LVHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQLV drawdown since its inception was -48.34%, which is greater than LVHD's maximum drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQLV and LVHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQLV	LVHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.34%	-37.32%	-11.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.84%	-6.17%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.86%	-14.29%	-12.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.86%	-16.75%	-10.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-1.43%	+0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.90%	-4.04%	-4.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.48%	+0.47%

Volatility

SQLV vs. LVHD - Volatility Comparison

Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) has a higher volatility of 4.55% compared to Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) at 4.05%. This indicates that SQLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LVHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SQLV	LVHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	4.05%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	7.26%	+4.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.69%	9.98%	+7.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	12.91%	+8.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.32%	15.53%	+7.79%

SQLV vs. LVHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SQLV has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than LVHD's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

SQLV vs. LVHD - Dividend Comparison

SQLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than LVHD's 3.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	3.29%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%
SQLV Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF	1.01%	1.15%	1.11%	1.09%	1.24%	1.12%	1.22%	1.20%	1.08%	0.40%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SQLV and LVHD in my portfolio?

SQLV and LVHD have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SQLV or LVHD?

SQLV has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to LVHD (4.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQLV dropped -48.34% vs LVHD's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, SQLV or LVHD?

On 5-year performance, LVHD leads with 7.44% vs 7.15% for SQLV. On fees, LVHD is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, LVHD has been the lower-risk option at 4.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SQLV or LVHD?

Over the 5-year period, LVHD has performed better with a 7.44% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQLV or LVHD?

LVHD is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SQLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SQLV or LVHD?

LVHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.29%, compared with 1.01% for SQLV.

What is the main difference between SQLV and LVHD?

SQLV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while LVHD is Dividend. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SQLV and 0.27% for LVHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SQLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.35), 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.