PSCM vs. SLX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSCM (Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both Materials funds - PSCM tracks the S&P Small Cap 600 / Materials -SEC while SLX tracks the NYSE Arca Steel Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSCM returned 12.90%/yr vs 19.73%/yr for SLX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSCM charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

PSCM vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF (PSCM) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCM achieves a 26.28% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 32.29% return. Over the past 10 years, PSCM has underperformed SLX with an annualized return of 12.90%, while SLX has yielded a comparatively higher 19.73% annualized return.

PSCM

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: -0.62%
• YTD: 26.28%
• 6M: 30.79%
• 1Y: 62.19%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: 12.90%

SLX

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 9.68%
• YTD: 32.29%
• 6M: 36.55%
• 1Y: 77.34%
• 3Y*: 26.67%
• 5Y*: 16.14%
• 10Y*: 19.73%

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

PSCM vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSCM Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF	26.28%	15.59%	0.67%	19.86%	-6.45%	18.02%	22.18%	21.75%	-23.28%	10.37%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	32.29%	47.45%	-17.94%	31.25%	14.28%	27.69%	20.57%	12.01%	-19.27%	24.59%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCM and SLX is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2010	0.66

The correlation between PSCM and SLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (all time) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSCM vs. SLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCM	SLX
Basic Materials	91.2%	95.0%
Energy	7.0%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	1.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSCM vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCM

PSCM Risk / Return Rank: 78
PSCM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
PSCM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
PSCM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
PSCM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PSCM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 86
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SLX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

PSCM vs. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF (PSCM) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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.

	PSCM	SLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	3.25	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	4.05	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.52	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.36	4.76	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.51	16.63	-0.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSCM vs. SLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCM Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is comparable to the SLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCM and SLX, 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

	PSCM	SLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.61	3.25	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.59	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.64	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.22	+0.17

Drawdowns

PSCM vs. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCM drawdown since its inception was -51.34%, smaller than the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCM and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCM	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.34%	-82.14%	+30.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.33%	-16.35%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.36%	-27.39%	-7.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.36%	-33.62%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.34%	-61.64%	+10.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.73%	-1.15%	-1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.90%	-38.73%	+27.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.78%	4.67%	-0.89%

Volatility

PSCM vs. SLX - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF (PSCM) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) have volatilities of 7.72% and 7.87%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSCM	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.72%	7.87%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.84%	17.92%	-1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	23.92%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.74%	27.72%	-1.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.91%	31.02%	-4.11%

PSCM vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCM has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCM vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

PSCM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than SLX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCM Invesco S&P SmallCap Materials ETF	1.02%	1.17%	0.80%	0.81%	0.93%	0.67%	1.56%	1.14%	1.25%	0.61%	0.76%	1.33%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.17%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCM and SLX in my portfolio?

PSCM and SLX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSCM or SLX?

SLX has higher volatility (7.87%) compared to PSCM (7.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCM dropped -51.34% vs SLX's -82.14%.

Which ETF is better, PSCM or SLX?

On 10-year performance, SLX leads with 19.73% vs 12.90% for PSCM. On fees, PSCM is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, PSCM has been the lower-risk option at 7.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCM or SLX?

Over the 10-year period, SLX has performed better with a 19.73% return vs 12.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCM or SLX?

PSCM is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for SLX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSCM or SLX?

SLX has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 1.02% for PSCM.

What is the main difference between PSCM and SLX?

PSCM tracks S&P Small Cap 600 / Materials -SEC, while SLX tracks NYSE Arca Steel Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCM and 0.56% for SLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs 2.61), 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.