PSL vs. XLP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSL (Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF) and XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSL is a Momentum fund tracking the DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while XLP is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSL returned 8.16%/yr vs 7.51%/yr for XLP. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLP.

Performance

PSL vs. XLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSL achieves a 10.74% return, which is significantly higher than XLP's 9.13% return. Over the past 10 years, PSL has outperformed XLP with an annualized return of 8.16%, while XLP has yielded a comparatively lower 7.51% annualized return.

PSL

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 9.53%
• 1Y: 0.59%
• 3Y*: 9.78%
• 5Y*: 4.65%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

XLP

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 5.70%
• 3Y*: 7.18%
• 5Y*: 6.68%
• 10Y*: 7.51%

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

PSL vs. XLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	10.74%	-3.47%	15.42%	12.32%	-7.76%	6.88%	18.15%	14.16%	0.92%	21.82%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	9.13%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%

Correlation

The correlation between PSL and XLP is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2006	0.73

The correlation between PSL and XLP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSL vs. XLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSL	XLP
Consumer Defensive	86.3%	99.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	1.0%
Financial Services	1.8%	-
Industrials	1.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSL vs. XLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSL

PSL Risk / Return Rank: 9
PSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
PSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PSL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PSL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 14
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 14
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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. XLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). 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	XLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	0.44	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.15	0.72	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.08	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.04	0.59	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.10	1.12	-1.03

PSL vs. XLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSL Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is lower than the XLP Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSL and XLP, 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. XLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSL drawdown since its inception was -41.58%, which is greater than XLP's maximum drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSL and XLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSL	XLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.58%	-35.90%	-5.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.64%	-9.69%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.64%	-12.39%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.45%	-16.30%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.67%	-24.51%	-10.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.00%	-5.82%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-7.06%	+1.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.19%	5.09%	+1.10%

Volatility

PSL vs. XLP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL) is 4.42%, while State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) has a volatility of 5.13%. This indicates that PSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSL	XLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	5.13%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.19%	10.52%	-1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.17%	13.13%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.17%	13.36%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.52%	14.77%	+1.75%

PSL vs. XLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLP's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSL vs. XLP - Dividend Comparison

PSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, less than XLP's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSL Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF	0.76%	0.93%	0.60%	1.37%	1.98%	1.24%	0.80%	0.47%	0.75%	0.34%	2.08%	1.18%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.62%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSL and XLP in my portfolio?

PSL and XLP have a correlation of 0.78, 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 XLP?

XLP has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to PSL (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSL dropped -41.58% vs XLP's -35.90%.

Which ETF is better, PSL or XLP?

On 10-year performance, PSL leads with 8.16% vs 7.51% for XLP. On fees, XLP is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, PSL has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSL or XLP?

Over the 10-year period, PSL has performed better with a 8.16% return vs 7.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSL or XLP?

XLP is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PSL.

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

XLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 0.76% for PSL.

What is the main difference between PSL and XLP?

PSL is categorized as Momentum, while XLP is Consumer Staples Equities. PSL tracks DWA Consumer Staples Technical Leaders Index, while XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PSL and 0.08% for XLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs 0.05), 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.