PSL vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PSL (Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSL is a Momentum fund tracking the DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSL returned 8.21%/yr vs 16.88%/yr for XLG. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

PSL vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSL achieves a 11.21% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 1.11% return. Over the past 10 years, PSL has underperformed XLG with an annualized return of 8.21%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively higher 16.88% annualized return.

PSL

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 11.21%
• 6M: 9.38%
• 1Y: 1.20%
• 3Y*: 9.94%
• 5Y*: 4.59%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

XLG

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -5.86%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: -0.07%
• 1Y: 17.97%
• 3Y*: 21.15%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 10Y*: 16.88%

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

PSL vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	11.21%	-3.47%	15.42%	12.32%	-7.76%	6.88%	18.15%	14.16%	0.92%	21.82%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	1.11%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between PSL and XLG is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2006	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between PSL and XLG has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSL vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSL	XLG
Consumer Defensive	86.3%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	11.2%
Financial Services	1.8%	9.0%
Industrials	1.4%	1.9%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Communication Services	-	16.0%
Energy	-	2.4%
Healthcare	-	7.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	46.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSL vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSL

PSL Risk / Return Rank: 10
PSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
PSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
PSL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
PSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
PSL Martin Ratio Rank: 10

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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.

	PSL	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	1.30	-1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.21	1.80	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.23	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.09	1.45	-1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.19	5.15	-4.96

PSL vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSL Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSL and XLG, 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

PSL vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSL drawdown since its inception was -41.58%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSL and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSL	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.58%	-52.39%	+10.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.64%	-12.41%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.64%	-20.70%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.45%	-28.02%	+8.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.67%	-30.46%	-4.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.60%	-7.36%	+2.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-7.63%	+1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.20%	3.50%	+2.70%

Volatility

PSL vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) is 4.44%, while Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) has a volatility of 5.03%. This indicates that PSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSL	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	5.03%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.20%	10.69%	-1.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	13.95%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.17%	18.79%	-3.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.87%	-2.36%

PSL vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSL vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

PSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, more than XLG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	0.75%	0.93%	0.60%	1.37%	1.98%	1.24%	0.80%	0.47%	0.75%	0.34%	2.08%	1.18%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.66%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSL and XLG in my portfolio?

PSL and XLG have a correlation of 0.04, 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 XLG?

XLG has higher volatility (5.03%) compared to PSL (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSL dropped -41.58% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, PSL or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 16.88% vs 8.21% for PSL. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PSL has been the lower-risk option at 4.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSL or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 16.88% return vs 8.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSL or XLG?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PSL.

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

PSL has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.66% for XLG.

What is the main difference between PSL and XLG?

PSL is categorized as Momentum, while XLG is S&P 500. PSL tracks DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PSL and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 vs 0.09), 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.