SMLV ETF — SPDR® SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF

SPDR® SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV)

Updated October 16, 2026.

SMLV is a low-cost ETF. its distribution rate is 2.55%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.39%, its expense ratio is 0.12%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 92/100 (Safe). Total return is 296.1% over the past 13.6 years, 244.4 points behind SPY at 540.5%.

SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF is an ETF that tracks an index of U.S. small-cap stocks selected for low price volatility. The fund holds at least 80% of its assets in index securities and carries a modest expense ratio of 0.12%. It offers a modest current distribution rate paid quarterly, making it suitable for investors seeking income from small-cap equities with reduced price swings.

SMLV performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 296.1% over the past 13.6 years, 244.4 points behind SPY at 540.5%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 23.4%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 7.3%.

SMLV key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

92 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.35%

Issuer

State Street

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

02/20/2013

Expense ratio

0.12%

Distribution rate

2.55%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.39%

Last close

$152.02 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$246,290,546

Average volume

3074.0

Dividend

$0.971

Ex-dividend date

09/21/2026

Payment date

09/23/2026

Beta

0.77

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.55%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (2.39%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: State Street; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

SMLV risks and drawbacks

SMLV's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 7.3%.

Who may consider SMLV — and who may not

SMLV may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure, a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (SMLV pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on SMLV

• All tickers starting with S

Tagged: Small Caps, Index.

Frequently asked questions

More securities from State Street.