Invesco S&P 500 Minimum Variance ETF Price & Performance (SPMV)

Low-volatility ETFs are gaining traction as market turmoil continues to unsettle investors. Funds like SPLV and USMV have outperformed the broader S&P 500 in 2025, with SPLV rising 3.2% year-to-date. These ETFs provide a refuge for cautious investors, offering stability through factor-based strategies at a lower cost than complex alternatives.123

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell to 100.7 in February, marking its second consecutive decline. Small business owners are increasingly worried about labor quality and inflation, with fewer viewing this as a good time to expand. The uncertainty underscores the broader economic challenges facing half of the U.S. workforce.45

Defensive ETFs like SPLV, SPHD, and USMV are becoming go-to options for investors navigating market volatility. These funds focus on low-volatility or dividend-yielding stocks, balancing risk and returns. SPLV, for instance, has outperformed the S&P 500 this year, offering a stable alternative to high-risk growth sectors.678