PSCU vs. IDU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSCU (Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF) and IDU (iShares U.S. Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - PSCU tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index while IDU tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSCU returned 5.81%/yr vs 8.72%/yr for IDU. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSCU charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for IDU.

Performance

PSCU vs. IDU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCU achieves a 12.29% return, which is significantly higher than IDU's 2.64% return. Over the past 10 years, PSCU has underperformed IDU with an annualized return of 5.81%, while IDU has yielded a comparatively higher 8.72% annualized return.

PSCU

• 1D: -2.32%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 6M: 10.22%
• 1Y: 18.43%
• 3Y*: 6.90%
• 5Y*: 0.96%
• 10Y*: 5.81%

IDU

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -5.52%
• YTD: 2.64%
• 6M: 1.08%
• 1Y: 6.88%
• 3Y*: 13.73%
• 5Y*: 9.04%
• 10Y*: 8.72%

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

PSCU vs. IDU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	12.29%	-1.93%	10.68%	2.12%	-19.73%	30.12%	3.80%	9.67%	-4.80%	12.42%
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	2.64%	15.23%	23.23%	-5.02%	0.17%	16.96%	-1.07%	24.21%	3.93%	11.94%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCU and IDU is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2010	0.58

Over the past year, the correlation between PSCU and IDU has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.58, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSCU vs. IDU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCU	IDU
Communication Services	56.7%	-
Utilities	31.9%	90.3%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	-
Industrials	3.6%	8.8%
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Technology	1.6%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

PSCU vs. IDU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCU

PSCU Risk / Return Rank: 35
PSCU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
PSCU Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
PSCU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
PSCU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
PSCU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

IDU

IDU Risk / Return Rank: 16
IDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
IDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
IDU Omega Ratio Rank: 15
IDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
IDU Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

PSCU vs. IDU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU). 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.

	PSCU	IDU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	0.50	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	0.77	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.09	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	0.75	+1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.64	1.78	+3.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSCU vs. IDU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCU Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is higher than the IDU Sharpe Ratio of 0.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCU and IDU, 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

	PSCU	IDU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.17	0.50	+0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.55	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30	0.47	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.42	+0.06

Drawdowns

PSCU vs. IDU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCU drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, smaller than the maximum IDU drawdown of -53.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCU and IDU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCU	IDU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-53.88%	+23.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-9.15%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-16.74%	-6.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-24.11%	-5.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.97%	-36.18%	+6.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-7.85%	+4.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-11.38%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.88%	-0.60%

Volatility

PSCU vs. IDU - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) have volatilities of 5.04% and 5.04%, 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

	PSCU	IDU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	5.04%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.07%	10.95%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.81%	13.79%	+2.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.42%	16.49%	+1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.47%	18.72%	+0.75%

PSCU vs. IDU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCU has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than IDU's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCU vs. IDU - Dividend Comparison

PSCU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than IDU's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	2.24%	2.23%	2.29%	2.79%	2.39%	2.39%	2.94%	2.71%	2.80%	2.62%	3.18%	4.22%
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	0.99%	1.10%	0.98%	1.60%	1.71%	2.69%	1.20%	2.47%	2.35%	1.84%	6.93%	2.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCU and IDU in my portfolio?

PSCU and IDU have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSCU or IDU?

IDU has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to PSCU (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCU dropped -29.97% vs IDU's -53.88%.

Which ETF is better, PSCU or IDU?

On 10-year performance, IDU leads with 8.72% vs 5.81% for PSCU. On fees, PSCU is cheaper at 0.29% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCU or IDU?

Over the 10-year period, IDU has performed better with a 8.72% return vs 5.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCU or IDU?

PSCU is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for IDU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSCU or IDU?

IDU has the higher dividend yield at 2.24%, compared with 0.99% for PSCU.

What is the main difference between PSCU and IDU?

PSCU tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index, while IDU tracks Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCU and 0.42% for IDU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSCU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 0.50), 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.