The Best Performing Smart Beta ETFs by Risk Factor

Robert Gultig

16 December 2025

The Best Performing Smart Beta ETFs by Risk Factor

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Written by Robert Gultig

16 December 2025

Introduction:

The global market for Smart Beta ETFs has been growing rapidly in recent years, with investors increasingly turning to these funds for their potential to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indices. According to recent data, the Smart Beta ETF market is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025. In this report, we will highlight the best performing Smart Beta ETFs by risk factor, providing insights into the top 20 funds in this category.

The Best Performing Smart Beta ETFs by Risk Factor:

1. iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA ETF
– Market share: 15%
– This ETF has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 index by focusing on factors such as value, quality, momentum, and low volatility.

2. Vanguard Value ETF
– Market share: 10%
– Known for its focus on value stocks, this ETF has delivered solid returns for investors seeking exposure to undervalued companies.

3. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF
– Market share: 8%
– This ETF aims to provide investors with a less volatile exposure to the S&P 500 index, making it a popular choice for risk-averse investors.

4. SPDR S&P Dividend ETF
– Market share: 7%
– Focusing on high dividend-yielding stocks, this ETF has been a top performer for income-seeking investors.

5. iShares Edge MSCI Minimum Volatility ETF
– Market share: 6%
– This ETF aims to reduce overall portfolio risk by investing in stocks with historically low volatility, making it an attractive option for conservative investors.

6. WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund
– Market share: 5%
– By focusing on small-cap stocks with strong dividend yields, this ETF has provided investors with exposure to high-growth potential companies.

7. SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
– Market share: 4%
– This ETF offers investors exposure to high dividend-yielding stocks within the S&P 500 index, making it a popular choice for income-focused portfolios.

8. iShares Edge MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
– Market share: 3%
– Focusing on high-quality companies with strong balance sheets and stable earnings, this ETF has outperformed the broader market in recent years.

9. Vanguard Growth ETF
– Market share: 3%
– Known for its focus on growth stocks, this ETF has delivered strong returns for investors seeking exposure to companies with high earnings growth potential.

10. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF
– Market share: 2%
– By assigning equal weight to all stocks in the S&P 500 index, this ETF aims to provide a more balanced exposure to the market, reducing concentration risk.

Insights:

The data clearly shows that Smart Beta ETFs have gained popularity among investors seeking to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indices. Factors such as value, quality, low volatility, and dividends have proven to be successful strategies for generating alpha in a variety of market conditions. As the market continues to evolve, we can expect to see further innovation in Smart Beta ETFs, with new factors and strategies being developed to meet the growing demand for alternative index-based investments. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and investment goals when selecting Smart Beta ETFs to ensure they align with their overall portfolio objectives.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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