CSTK vs. VLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CSTK (Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF) and VLU (SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. CSTK is actively managed, while VLU is passively managed. Over the past year, CSTK returned 25.69% vs 27.85% for VLU. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CSTK charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VLU.

Performance

CSTK vs. VLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) and SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with CSTK having a 12.57% return and VLU slightly higher at 13.07%.

CSTK

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 12.57%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 25.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VLU

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 13.07%
• 6M: 12.43%
• 1Y: 27.85%
• 3Y*: 20.19%
• 5Y*: 12.35%
• 10Y*: 14.20%

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

CSTK vs. VLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	12.57%	18.16%
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	13.07%	19.32%

Correlation

The correlation between CSTK and VLU is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2025	0.93

The correlation between CSTK and VLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSTK vs. VLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSTK

CSTK Risk / Return Rank: 73
CSTK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
CSTK Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
CSTK Omega Ratio Rank: 74
CSTK Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
CSTK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VLU

VLU Risk / Return Rank: 84
VLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

CSTK vs. VLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) and SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU). 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.

	CSTK	VLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.55	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	3.55	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.47	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	4.41	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.38	17.56	-6.18

CSTK vs. VLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSTK Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VLU Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSTK and VLU, 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

CSTK vs. VLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSTK drawdown since its inception was -8.87%, smaller than the maximum VLU drawdown of -37.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSTK and VLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSTK	VLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-37.39%	+28.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-6.34%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.55%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.37%	+0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-3.73%	+2.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	1.59%	+0.67%

Volatility

CSTK vs. VLU - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) has a higher volatility of 3.26% compared to SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) at 2.94%. This indicates that CSTK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSTK	VLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.26%	2.94%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.63%	7.90%	+0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	10.98%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.64%	15.39%	-3.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.64%	18.06%	-6.42%

CSTK vs. VLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSTK has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VLU's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSTK vs. VLU - Dividend Comparison

CSTK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, more than VLU's 1.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	2.18%	1.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	1.64%	1.82%	2.00%	2.02%	2.16%	1.86%	1.98%	2.19%	2.57%	1.96%	2.14%	6.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSTK and VLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, CSTK and VLU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CSTK or VLU?

CSTK has higher volatility (3.26%) compared to VLU (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSTK dropped -8.87% vs VLU's -37.39%.

Which ETF is better, CSTK or VLU?

On 1-year performance, VLU leads with 27.85% vs 25.69% for CSTK. On fees, VLU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VLU has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSTK or VLU?

Over the 1-year period, VLU has performed better with a 27.85% return vs 25.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSTK or VLU?

VLU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CSTK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CSTK or VLU?

CSTK has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 1.64% for VLU.

What is the main difference between CSTK and VLU?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CSTK and 0.12% for VLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 2.26), 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.