IJR vs. RSP

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) and RSP (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, while RSP is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJR returned 11.21%/yr vs 12.18%/yr for RSP. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJR charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for RSP.

Performance

IJR vs. RSP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJR achieves a 19.86% return, which is significantly higher than RSP's 11.61% return. Over the past 10 years, IJR has underperformed RSP with an annualized return of 11.21%, while RSP has yielded a comparatively higher 12.18% annualized return.

IJR

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 7.39%
• YTD: 19.86%
• 6M: 16.97%
• 1Y: 37.16%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 6.35%
• 10Y*: 11.21%

RSP

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 5.62%
• YTD: 11.61%
• 6M: 10.84%
• 1Y: 22.05%
• 3Y*: 14.55%
• 5Y*: 8.93%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

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

IJR vs. RSP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	19.86%	5.89%	8.63%	16.06%	-16.20%	26.58%	11.28%	22.82%	-8.51%	13.15%
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	11.61%	11.21%	12.79%	13.70%	-11.62%	29.41%	12.66%	28.91%	-7.84%	18.52%

Correlation

The correlation between IJR and RSP is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2003	0.90

The correlation between IJR and RSP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJR vs. RSP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJR	RSP
Financial Services	16.0%	13.9%
Industrials	16.0%	14.2%
Technology	15.9%	20.9%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	10.0%
Healthcare	11.0%	11.1%
Real Estate	7.5%	6.1%
Energy	6.8%	4.0%
Basic Materials	4.7%	3.9%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	6.4%
Utilities	1.9%	5.7%

Return for Risk

IJR vs. RSP — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 77
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 68
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 82

RSP

RSP Risk / Return Rank: 63
RSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
RSP Omega Ratio Rank: 60
RSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
RSP Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

IJR vs. RSP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP). 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.

	IJR	RSP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.88	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	2.71	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.33	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	2.82	+1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.44	10.69	+3.76

IJR vs. RSP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJR Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the RSP Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJR and RSP, 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

IJR vs. RSP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJR drawdown since its inception was -58.15%, roughly equal to the maximum RSP drawdown of -59.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJR and RSP.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJR	RSP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.15%	-59.92%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.68%	-7.85%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	-17.81%	-10.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	-21.38%	-6.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.36%	-39.04%	-5.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.27%	-6.64%	-2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.07%	+0.51%

Volatility

IJR vs. RSP - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) has a higher volatility of 5.17% compared to Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) at 3.59%. This indicates that IJR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RSP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJR	RSP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.17%	3.59%	+1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.93%	8.58%	+3.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.67%	11.79%	+5.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.44%	16.23%	+5.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.93%	18.37%	+4.56%

IJR vs. RSP - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than RSP's 0.20% 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

IJR vs. RSP - Dividend Comparison

IJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, less than RSP's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.42%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.46%	1.64%	1.52%	1.64%	1.82%	1.28%	1.64%	1.69%	2.02%	1.52%	1.20%	1.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJR and RSP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, IJR and RSP 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, IJR or RSP?

IJR has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to RSP (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJR dropped -58.15% vs RSP's -59.92%.

Which ETF is better, IJR or RSP?

On 10-year performance, RSP leads with 12.18% vs 11.21% for IJR. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, RSP has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJR or RSP?

Over the 10-year period, RSP has performed better with a 12.18% return vs 11.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJR or RSP?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for RSP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJR or RSP?

RSP has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 1.42% for IJR.

What is the main difference between IJR and RSP?

IJR is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RSP is S&P 500. IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index, while RSP tracks S&P 500 Equal Weight Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IJR and 0.20% for RSP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.88), 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.