VB vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.61%/yr vs 10.74%/yr for SMLV. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

VB vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 15.33% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 18.33% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 11.61%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.74% annualized return.

VB

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 5.17%
• YTD: 15.33%
• 6M: 13.69%
• 1Y: 30.83%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 11.61%

SMLV

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 7.88%
• YTD: 18.33%
• 6M: 15.42%
• 1Y: 29.07%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 8.66%
• 10Y*: 10.74%

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

VB vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.33%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	18.33%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and SMLV is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.86

The correlation between VB and SMLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	SMLV
Industrials	20.8%	14.2%
Technology	17.2%	11.7%
Financial Services	12.6%	30.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	8.9%
Healthcare	11.1%	8.7%
Real Estate	7.6%	12.3%
Basic Materials	4.8%	3.4%
Energy	4.7%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	4.0%
Utilities	3.3%	2.8%
Communication Services	3.1%	2.2%

Return for Risk

VB vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 64
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 63
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VB vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). 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.

	VB	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.70	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	2.43	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.31	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.21	3.64	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	10.07	+1.73

VB vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and SMLV, 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

VB vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than SMLV's maximum drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-42.45%	-17.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-7.34%	-1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-20.40%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-20.40%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-42.45%	+0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-5.45%	-2.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.66%	-0.22%

Volatility

VB vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a higher volatility of 5.41% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.80%. This indicates that VB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	3.80%	+1.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	9.81%	+2.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.68%	15.74%	+0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.80%	18.29%	+2.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.44%	20.95%	+0.49%

VB vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SMLV's 0.12% 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

VB vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than SMLV's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.24%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and SMLV in my portfolio?

VB and SMLV have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VB or SMLV?

VB has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to SMLV (3.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, VB or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.61% vs 10.74% for SMLV. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.61% return vs 10.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or SMLV?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for SMLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VB or SMLV?

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.24%, compared with 1.18% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and SMLV?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.70), 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.