PSCU vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSCU (Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - PSCU tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSCU returned 5.18%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for XLU. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSCU charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

PSCU vs. XLU - 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 State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCU achieves a 10.26% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 6.16% return. Over the past 10 years, PSCU has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 5.18%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.26% annualized return.

PSCU

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 10.26%
• 6M: 10.07%
• 1Y: 16.92%
• 3Y*: 8.44%
• 5Y*: 0.37%
• 10Y*: 5.18%

XLU

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 6.71%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

PSCU vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	10.26%	-1.93%	10.68%	2.12%	-19.73%	30.12%	3.80%	9.67%	-4.80%	12.42%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.16%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCU and XLU is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2010	0.55

Over the past year, the correlation between PSCU and XLU has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.55, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSCU vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCU	XLU
Communication Services	58.9%	-
Utilities	31.2%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	-
Industrials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Technology	0.9%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

PSCU vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCU

PSCU Risk / Return Rank: 33
PSCU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
PSCU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
PSCU Omega Ratio Rank: 27
PSCU Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
PSCU Martin Ratio Rank: 35

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 28
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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. XLU - 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 State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	PSCU	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.00	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.41	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.18	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	1.60	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	3.39	+1.65

PSCU vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCU Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is comparable to the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCU and XLU, 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

PSCU vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCU drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCU and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCU	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-51.98%	+22.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-9.18%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-17.26%	-6.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-25.26%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.97%	-36.07%	+6.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.20%	-5.05%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.65%	-10.22%	+2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	4.31%	-0.95%

Volatility

PSCU vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) is 4.85%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.26%. This indicates that PSCU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSCU	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.85%	5.26%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	11.72%	-0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	14.70%	+1.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.43%	17.31%	+1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.50%	19.28%	+0.22%

PSCU vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCU has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCU vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

PSCU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, less than XLU's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	1.05%	1.10%	0.98%	1.60%	1.71%	2.69%	1.20%	2.47%	2.35%	1.84%	6.93%	2.94%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.30%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCU and XLU in my portfolio?

PSCU and XLU have a correlation of 0.32, 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 XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.26%) compared to PSCU (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCU dropped -29.97% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, PSCU or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.26% vs 5.18% for PSCU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, PSCU has been the lower-risk option at 4.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCU or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.26% return vs 5.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCU or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for PSCU.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 1.05% for PSCU.

What is the main difference between PSCU and XLU?

PSCU tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCU and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSCU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 1.00), 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.