PSL vs. FXG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSL (Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF) and FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - PSL is a Momentum fund tracking the DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while FXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSL returned 7.88%/yr vs 4.23%/yr for FXG. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FXG.

Performance

PSL vs. FXG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSL achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly higher than FXG's -0.18% return. Over the past 10 years, PSL has outperformed FXG with an annualized return of 7.88%, while FXG has yielded a comparatively lower 4.23% annualized return.

PSL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 6M: 9.15%
• 1Y: -1.02%
• 3Y*: 9.29%
• 5Y*: 3.68%
• 10Y*: 7.88%

FXG

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -5.27%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: -1.44%
• 1Y: -2.29%
• 3Y*: 0.94%
• 5Y*: 1.87%
• 10Y*: 4.23%

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

PSL vs. FXG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	9.10%	-3.47%	15.42%	12.32%	-7.76%	6.88%	18.15%	14.16%	0.92%	21.82%
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	-0.18%	-2.66%	3.21%	1.97%	3.28%	21.73%	4.85%	20.65%	-11.49%	7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PSL and FXG is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2007	0.74

The correlation between PSL and FXG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSL vs. FXG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSL	FXG
Consumer Defensive	85.9%	79.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	7.9%
Financial Services	1.8%	-
Industrials	1.5%	4.1%
Basic Materials	-	2.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	8.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSL vs. FXG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSL

PSL Risk / Return Rank: 8
PSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PSL Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
PSL Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FXG

FXG Risk / Return Rank: 7
FXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
FXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
FXG Omega Ratio Rank: 6
FXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
FXG Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

PSL vs. FXG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG). 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.

	PSL	FXG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	-0.18	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.02	-0.17	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	0.98	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.08	-0.18	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.17	-0.42	+0.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSL vs. FXG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSL Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is higher than the FXG Sharpe Ratio of -0.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSL and FXG, 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

	PSL	FXG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08	-0.18	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.14	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.28	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.47	+0.07

Drawdowns

PSL vs. FXG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSL drawdown since its inception was -41.58%, which is greater than FXG's maximum drawdown of -38.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSL and FXG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSL	FXG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.58%	-38.69%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.64%	-12.75%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.64%	-12.75%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.35%	-15.70%	-6.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.67%	-27.54%	-7.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.41%	-12.70%	+6.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.82%	-6.03%	+0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.09%	5.41%	+0.68%

Volatility

PSL vs. FXG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) have volatilities of 3.29% and 3.20%, 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

	PSL	FXG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	3.20%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.51%	9.11%	-0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	12.71%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.15%	13.48%	+1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.50%	14.92%	+1.58%

PSL vs. FXG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FXG's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSL vs. FXG - Dividend Comparison

PSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, less than FXG's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.90%	2.83%	1.70%	1.41%	1.83%	1.38%	1.41%	1.63%	2.31%	1.34%	1.72%	1.67%
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	0.84%	0.93%	0.60%	1.37%	1.98%	1.24%	0.80%	0.47%	0.75%	0.34%	2.08%	1.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSL and FXG in my portfolio?

PSL and FXG have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSL or FXG?

PSL has higher volatility (3.29%) compared to FXG (3.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSL dropped -41.58% vs FXG's -38.69%.

Which ETF is better, PSL or FXG?

On 10-year performance, PSL leads with 7.88% vs 4.23% for FXG. On fees, PSL is cheaper at 0.60% 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, PSL or FXG?

Over the 10-year period, PSL has performed better with a 7.88% return vs 4.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSL or FXG?

PSL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSL or FXG?

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.90%, compared with 0.84% for PSL.

What is the main difference between PSL and FXG?

PSL is categorized as Momentum, while FXG is Consumer Staples Equities. PSL tracks DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PSL and 0.63% for FXG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.08 vs -0.18), 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.