PSCU vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSCU (Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSCU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index, while XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSCU returned 5.18%/yr vs 31.63%/yr for XSD. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSCU charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

PSCU vs. XSD - 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 SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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 lower than XSD's 101.75% return. Over the past 10 years, PSCU has underperformed XSD with an annualized return of 5.18%, while XSD has yielded a comparatively higher 31.63% 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%

XSD

• 1D: 1.91%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 101.75%
• 6M: 95.13%
• 1Y: 166.27%
• 3Y*: 46.54%
• 5Y*: 29.17%
• 10Y*: 31.63%

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

PSCU vs. XSD - 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%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	101.75%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCU and XSD is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2010	0.45

PSCU vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCU	XSD
Communication Services	58.9%	-
Utilities	31.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	-
Industrials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Technology	0.9%	98.0%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	2.0%
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

PSCU vs. XSD — 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

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. XSD - 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 SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	4.17	-3.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	4.18	-2.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.57	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	8.99	-6.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	29.69	-24.64

PSCU vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCU Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 4.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCU and XSD, 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. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCU drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, smaller than the maximum XSD drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCU and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCU	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-64.56%	+34.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-18.61%	+10.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-41.25%	+17.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-42.27%	+12.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.97%	-42.27%	+12.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.20%	-0.20%	-5.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.65%	-13.72%	+6.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	5.62%	-2.26%

Volatility

PSCU vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) is 4.85%, while SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a volatility of 21.48%. This indicates that PSCU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSCU	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.85%	21.48%	-16.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	32.65%	-21.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	40.16%	-24.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.43%	39.08%	-20.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.50%	35.42%	-15.92%

PSCU vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCU has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCU vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

PSCU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than XSD's 0.16% 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%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.16%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCU and XSD in my portfolio?

PSCU and XSD have a correlation of 0.41, 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 XSD?

XSD has higher volatility (21.48%) compared to PSCU (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCU dropped -29.97% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, PSCU or XSD?

On 10-year performance, XSD leads with 31.63% vs 5.18% for PSCU. On fees, PSCU is cheaper at 0.29% 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 XSD?

Over the 10-year period, XSD has performed better with a 31.63% 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 XSD?

PSCU is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XSD.

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

PSCU has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.16% for XSD.

What is the main difference between PSCU and XSD?

PSCU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while XSD is Semiconductors. PSCU tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCU and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.17 vs 1.07), 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.