USPX vs. LVHD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) and LVHD (Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index, while LVHD is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USPX returned 12.39%/yr vs 6.06%/yr for LVHD. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USPX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for LVHD.

Performance

USPX vs. LVHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USPX achieves a 10.64% return, which is significantly higher than LVHD's 6.72% return.

USPX

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 5.12%
• YTD: 10.64%
• 6M: 10.50%
• 1Y: 27.42%
• 3Y*: 22.42%
• 5Y*: 12.39%
• 10Y*: —

LVHD

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.27%
• YTD: 6.72%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: 9.33%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

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

USPX vs. LVHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	10.64%	17.78%	24.97%	27.07%	-18.88%	19.53%	9.72%	26.60%	-7.78%	23.80%
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	6.72%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-5.58%	14.25%

Correlation

The correlation between USPX and LVHD is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2016	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between USPX and LVHD has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

USPX vs. LVHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USPX	LVHD
Technology	35.4%	5.9%
Financial Services	11.8%	8.6%
Communication Services	11.5%	3.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	6.8%
Healthcare	8.6%	4.6%
Industrials	8.4%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	18.5%
Energy	3.6%	6.7%
Utilities	2.3%	25.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	15.0%
Basic Materials	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

USPX vs. LVHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 68
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 28
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

USPX vs. LVHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend 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.

	USPX	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.01	+1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	1.51	+1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.17	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	1.56	+1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.72	3.98	+9.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USPX vs. LVHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is higher than the LVHD Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USPX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USPX	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	1.01	+1.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.47	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.80	0.56	+0.24

Drawdowns

USPX vs. LVHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USPX drawdown since its inception was -31.21%, smaller than the maximum LVHD drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USPX and LVHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	USPX	LVHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.21%	-37.32%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-6.17%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-14.29%	-4.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.60%	-16.75%	-7.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.21%	-37.32%	+6.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-4.84%	+4.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.44%	-4.05%	-0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	2.42%	-0.42%

Volatility

USPX vs. LVHD - Volatility Comparison

Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) have volatilities of 2.87% and 2.86%, 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

	USPX	LVHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	2.86%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.16%	6.64%	+2.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.09%	9.52%	+2.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.17%	12.87%	+3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.92%	15.50%	+0.42%

USPX vs. LVHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

USPX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than LVHD's 0.27% 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

USPX vs. LVHD - Dividend Comparison

USPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, less than LVHD's 3.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	3.40%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	1.04%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USPX and LVHD in my portfolio?

USPX and LVHD have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USPX or LVHD?

USPX has higher volatility (2.87%) compared to LVHD (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USPX dropped -31.21% vs LVHD's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, USPX or LVHD?

On 5-year performance, USPX leads with 12.39% vs 6.06% for LVHD. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USPX or LVHD?

Over the 5-year period, USPX has performed better with a 12.39% return vs 6.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USPX or LVHD?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for LVHD.

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

LVHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 1.04% for USPX.

What is the main difference between USPX and LVHD?

USPX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while LVHD is Volatility Hedged Equity. USPX tracks Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index, while LVHD tracks QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for USPX and 0.27% for LVHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.01), 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.