SVOL vs. USMV

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SVOL (Simplify Volatility Premium ETF) and USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SVOL is a Volatility fund actively managed by Simplify, while USMV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. SVOL is actively managed, while USMV is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SVOL returned 6.66%/yr vs 7.21%/yr for USMV. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SVOL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for USMV.

Performance

SVOL vs. USMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SVOL achieves a -0.84% return, which is significantly lower than USMV's 1.55% return.

SVOL

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: -0.84%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 10.38%
• 3Y*: 5.92%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: —

USMV

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 1.55%
• 6M: 2.27%
• 1Y: 3.18%
• 3Y*: 11.35%
• 5Y*: 7.21%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

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

SVOL vs. USMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	-0.84%	2.41%	6.77%	22.88%	-3.30%	12.70%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.55%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	14.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SVOL and USMV is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2021	0.57

The correlation between SVOL and USMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

SVOL vs. USMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SVOL	USMV
Technology	31.9%	30.8%
Financial Services	11.4%	12.4%
Industrials	11.4%	5.7%
Healthcare	11.0%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	5.7%
Communication Services	7.4%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	10.0%
Energy	4.8%	3.6%
Real Estate	2.8%	2.2%
Basic Materials	2.5%	2.2%
Utilities	2.3%	7.5%

Return for Risk

SVOL vs. USMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVOL

SVOL Risk / Return Rank: 19
SVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
SVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 19
SVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
SVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 19

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 15
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 14
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

SVOL vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). 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.

	SVOL	USMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	0.37	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.84	0.58	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.07	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	0.49	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.89	1.64	+0.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SVOL vs. USMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVOL Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is higher than the USMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVOL and USMV, 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

	SVOL	USMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50	0.37	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.59	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.86	-0.51

Drawdowns

SVOL vs. USMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SVOL drawdown since its inception was -33.50%, roughly equal to the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SVOL and USMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SVOL	USMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.50%	-33.10%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.01%	-6.46%	-6.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.50%	-9.36%	-24.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.50%	-17.93%	-15.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.40%	-2.24%	-1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-2.88%	-1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.49%	1.94%	+3.55%

Volatility

SVOL vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.65%, 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

	SVOL	USMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.77%	2.65%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	6.02%	+3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.78%	8.57%	+12.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	12.36%	+9.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.92%	14.51%	+7.41%

SVOL vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SVOL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SVOL vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison

SVOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.19%, more than USMV's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	22.19%	19.82%	16.79%	16.36%	18.32%	4.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.54%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SVOL and USMV in my portfolio?

SVOL and USMV have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SVOL or USMV?

SVOL has higher volatility (2.77%) compared to USMV (2.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVOL dropped -33.50% vs USMV's -33.10%.

Which ETF is better, SVOL or USMV?

On 5-year performance, USMV leads with 7.21% vs 6.66% for SVOL. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVOL or USMV?

Over the 5-year period, USMV has performed better with a 7.21% return vs 6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVOL or USMV?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SVOL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SVOL or USMV?

SVOL has the higher dividend yield at 22.19%, compared with 1.54% for USMV.

What is the main difference between SVOL and USMV?

SVOL is categorized as Volatility, while USMV is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SVOL and 0.15% for USMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.50 vs 0.37), 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.