EQAL vs. EQL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EQAL (Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF) and EQL (ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQAL is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Equal Weight Index, while EQL is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NYSE Equal Sector Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EQAL returned 10.85%/yr vs 12.66%/yr for EQL. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EQAL charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for EQL.

Performance

EQAL vs. EQL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQAL achieves a 11.42% return, which is significantly higher than EQL's 8.44% return. Over the past 10 years, EQAL has underperformed EQL with an annualized return of 10.85%, while EQL has yielded a comparatively higher 12.66% annualized return.

EQAL

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 11.42%
• 6M: 10.52%
• 1Y: 22.33%
• 3Y*: 15.08%
• 5Y*: 6.90%
• 10Y*: 10.85%

EQL

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 8.44%
• 6M: 7.90%
• 1Y: 17.48%
• 3Y*: 15.88%
• 5Y*: 10.58%
• 10Y*: 12.66%

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

EQAL vs. EQL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EQAL Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF	11.42%	11.05%	11.38%	11.98%	-13.49%	23.14%	16.57%	24.54%	-9.22%	17.36%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	8.44%	13.09%	16.44%	16.87%	-10.72%	29.32%	10.87%	27.87%	-6.12%	18.37%

Correlation

The correlation between EQAL and EQL is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2014	0.91

The correlation between EQAL and EQL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

EQAL vs. EQL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQAL	EQL
Technology	16.6%	12.3%
Healthcare	9.4%	8.7%
Industrials	9.4%	8.5%
Financial Services	9.2%	8.6%
Real Estate	9.2%	9.2%
Energy	8.3%	8.0%
Basic Materials	8.0%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	10.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	8.6%
Utilities	7.5%	8.4%
Communication Services	7.2%	8.8%

Return for Risk

EQAL vs. EQL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQAL

EQAL Risk / Return Rank: 61
EQAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
EQAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
EQAL Omega Ratio Rank: 52
EQAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
EQAL Martin Ratio Rank: 67

EQL

EQL Risk / Return Rank: 58
EQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EQL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
EQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
EQL Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

EQAL vs. EQL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). 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.

	EQAL	EQL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	1.84	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.57	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	2.84	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.68	10.95	+0.74

EQAL vs. EQL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the EQL Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQAL and EQL, 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

EQAL vs. EQL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQAL drawdown since its inception was -40.44%, which is greater than EQL's maximum drawdown of -35.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQAL and EQL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQAL	EQL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.44%	-35.65%	-4.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.67%	-6.19%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.62%	-15.07%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.79%	-19.24%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.44%	-35.65%	-4.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-1.76%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.08%	-3.25%	-1.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	1.60%	+0.32%

Volatility

EQAL vs. EQL - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) has a higher volatility of 3.52% compared to ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) at 3.08%. This indicates that EQAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EQL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQAL	EQL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	3.08%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.85%	7.20%	+1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.47%	9.59%	+2.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	14.56%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.84%	16.54%	+2.30%

EQAL vs. EQL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQAL has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than EQL's 0.27% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EQAL vs. EQL - Dividend Comparison

EQAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, more than EQL's 1.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQAL Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF	1.72%	1.79%	1.62%	1.88%	1.95%	1.32%	1.63%	1.61%	1.62%	1.18%	1.57%	1.64%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	1.63%	1.73%	1.78%	1.96%	2.14%	1.69%	2.29%	1.95%	2.39%	1.97%	2.89%	2.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQAL and EQL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, EQAL and EQL 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, EQAL or EQL?

EQAL has higher volatility (3.52%) compared to EQL (3.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQAL dropped -40.44% vs EQL's -35.65%.

Which ETF is better, EQAL or EQL?

On 10-year performance, EQL leads with 12.66% vs 10.85% for EQAL. On fees, EQAL is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EQL has been the lower-risk option at 3.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQAL or EQL?

Over the 10-year period, EQL has performed better with a 12.66% return vs 10.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQAL or EQL?

EQAL is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for EQL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQAL or EQL?

EQAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.72%, compared with 1.63% for EQL.

What is the main difference between EQAL and EQL?

EQAL is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while EQL is Large Cap Blend Equities. EQAL tracks Russell 1000 Equal Weight Index, while EQL tracks NYSE Equal Sector Weight Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for EQAL and 0.27% for EQL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.80), 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.