SYZ vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SYZ is actively managed, while SPSM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SYZ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

SYZ vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SYZ achieves a 17.30% return, which is significantly higher than SPSM's 15.28% return.

SYZ

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 2.63%
• YTD: 17.30%
• 6M: 17.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPSM

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 14.19%
• 1Y: 31.50%
• 3Y*: 14.42%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

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

SYZ vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	17.30%	0.89%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	15.28%	2.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and SPSM is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

SYZ vs. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SYZ	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	0.45	+1.15

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-42.89%	+34.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.72%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.97%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-7.93%	+5.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	17.47%	-0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.65%	21.43%	-4.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	22.99%	-6.34%

SYZ vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYZ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYZ vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than SPSM's 1.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.43%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and SPSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SYZ and SPSM 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 ETF is better, SYZ or SPSM?

On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SYZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SYZ or SPSM?

SPSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and SPSM?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SYZ and 0.05% for SPSM.