FXB vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FXB (Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXB is a Currency fund tracking the British Pound, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXB returned 0.00%/yr vs 17.27%/yr for XLG. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FXB charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

FXB vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust (FXB) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXB achieves a 0.38% return, which is significantly lower than XLG's 7.57% return.

FXB

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 1.56%
• 1Y: 1.45%
• 3Y*: 5.39%
• 5Y*: 0.78%
• 10Y*: 0.00%

XLG

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 4.22%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: 28.54%
• 3Y*: 24.46%
• 5Y*: 16.24%
• 10Y*: 17.27%

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

FXB vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXB Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust	0.38%	10.37%	1.35%	8.58%	-10.45%	-1.54%	2.87%	3.87%	-5.75%	9.10%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	7.57%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between FXB and XLG is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2006	0.22

The correlation between FXB and XLG shifts across timeframes, from 0.22 (all time) to 0.33 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FXB vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXB

FXB Risk / Return Rank: 11
FXB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FXB Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FXB Omega Ratio Rank: 10
FXB Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
FXB Martin Ratio Rank: 12

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 56
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

FXB vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust (FXB) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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.

	FXB	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	2.15	-1.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.36	2.92	-2.56
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.38	-0.34
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	2.31	-1.99
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.67	8.66	-7.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FXB vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXB Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is lower than the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXB and XLG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FXB	XLG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22	2.15	-1.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.87	-0.78
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.00	0.92	-0.92
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.08	0.62	-0.70

Drawdowns

FXB vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXB drawdown since its inception was -48.99%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXB and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXB	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.99%	-52.39%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.53%	-12.41%	+7.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.44%	-20.70%	+12.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.83%	-28.02%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.30%	-30.46%	+1.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.55%	-1.44%	-28.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.54%	-7.64%	-19.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	3.30%	-1.14%

Volatility

FXB vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust (FXB) is 1.78%, while Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) has a volatility of 3.19%. This indicates that FXB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXB	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.78%	3.19%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.84%	9.80%	-4.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.54%	13.33%	-6.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.48%	18.68%	-10.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.30%	18.84%	-9.54%

FXB vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXB has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXB vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

FXB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, more than XLG's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXB Invesco CurrencyShares® British Pound Sterling Trust	2.20%	2.44%	3.25%	2.59%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXB and XLG in my portfolio?

FXB and XLG have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXB or XLG?

XLG has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to FXB (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXB dropped -48.99% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, FXB or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 17.27% vs 0.00% for FXB. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, FXB has been the lower-risk option at 1.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXB or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 17.27% return vs 0.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXB or XLG?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for FXB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXB or XLG?

FXB has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 0.60% for XLG.

What is the main difference between FXB and XLG?

FXB is categorized as Currency, while XLG is S&P 500. FXB tracks British Pound, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for FXB and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.22), 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.