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FDMvsSMLVETF Comparison
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund ETF (FDM) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) is part of the US Low Volatility segment. FDM's top 3 sector exposures are Financials, Industrials and Consumer Discretionary. In contrast, SMLV's top sector exposures are Financials, Industrials and Information Technology. FDM is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.65%, versus 0.12% for SMLV. FDM is up 1.46% year-to-date (YTD) with - in YTD flows. SMLV performs better with 3.44% YTD performance, and +$1M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of FDM and SMLV below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
FDM vs SMLV performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FDM SMLV | -5.38%-5.29% | -1.38%+0.70% | +1.46%+3.44% | +30.26%+14.65% | +59.98%+42.97% | +37.57%+32.16% |
| Flows | FDM SMLV | -+$3K | -+$38K | -+$1M | +$11M-$3M | +$9M-$36M | +$9M-$57M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | FDM SMLV | +18.30%+14.00% | +22.10%+18.13% | +21.30%+19.18% | +21.85%+18.42% |
| Max drawdown | FDM SMLV | -7.34%-5.75% | -13.77%-12.34% | -23.13%-20.24% | -23.71%-20.24% |
| Max drawdown duration | FDM SMLV | 32d33d | 45d77d | 208d408d | 974d408d |
FDM | SMLV | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $80.16 | $135.55 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $80.86 | $135.72 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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FDM | SMLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
FDM | SMLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $80.16 | $135.55 |
| 1D performance | -0.87% | -0.13% |
| AuM | $218.29 M | $207.48 M |
| E/R | 0.65% | 0.12% |
FDM | SMLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | First Trust | SPDR |
| Benchmark | Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index | SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index |
| N° of holdings | 136 | 383 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | September 27, 2005 | February 20, 2013 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the FDM and SMLV ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, FDM is up 1.46% year-to-date (YTD), while SMLV has returned 3.44%. That puts SMLV better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: FDM or SMLV?
Year-to-date, the FDM ETF saw - in flows, compared to +$1M for SMLV.
Which ETF is more volatile: FDM or SMLV?
Over the past year, FDM had a volatility of 22.1%, while SMLV experienced 18.13%.
Which ETF is bigger: FDM or SMLV?
As of March 12, 2026, FDM holds $218.29 M in assets under management (AUM), while SMLV manages $207.48 M.
What sectors do the FDM and SMLV ETFs invest in?
FDM leans toward sectors like Financials, Industrials and Consumer Discretionary. Meanwhile, SMLV focuses on Financials, Industrials and Information Technology.
What are the top holdings of the FDM ETF and SMLV ETF?
FDM top holdings include STOKE THERAPEUTICS INC, TETRA TECHNOLOGIES and DELUXE. SMLV holds in its top three: TTM TECHNOLOGIES, PNM RESOURCES and NORTHWESTERN.
Which ETF is more diversified: FDM or SMLV?
FDM holds 148 securities with 21.36% of its assets in the top 15. SMLV has 393 securities and a top 15 weight of 9.55%.
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