RSP vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

RSP (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSP is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RSP returned 12.15%/yr vs 9.06%/yr for VPU. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

RSP vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSP achieves a 10.96% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, RSP has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 12.15%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.06% annualized return.

RSP

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 3.92%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 10.34%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: 14.66%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

VPU

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: 12.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

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

RSP vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	10.96%	11.21%	12.79%	13.70%	-11.62%	29.41%	12.66%	28.91%	-7.84%	18.52%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.93%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RSP and VPU is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.55

The correlation between RSP and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RSP vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSP	VPU
Technology	20.4%	-
Financial Services	14.2%	-
Industrials	14.1%	0.2%
Healthcare	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Real Estate	5.9%	-
Utilities	5.9%	99.3%
Energy	4.2%	0.5%
Basic Materials	4.1%	-
Communication Services	3.6%	-

Return for Risk

RSP vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSP

RSP Risk / Return Rank: 58
RSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
RSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
RSP Omega Ratio Rank: 54
RSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
RSP Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 26
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

RSP vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	RSP	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	0.83	+0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.20	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.15	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	1.34	+1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.63	2.91	+6.73

RSP vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSP and VPU, 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

RSP vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSP drawdown since its inception was -59.92%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSP and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSP	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.92%	-46.31%	-13.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-8.90%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.81%	-17.34%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.38%	-25.15%	+3.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.04%	-36.42%	-2.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.69%	+5.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-7.78%	+1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	4.10%	-2.03%

Volatility

RSP vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is 3.57%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.55%. This indicates that RSP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSP	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	5.55%	-1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.59%	11.52%	-2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.83%	14.41%	-2.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.22%	17.07%	-0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.36%	19.13%	-0.77%

RSP vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

RSP vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

RSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than VPU's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.47%	1.64%	1.52%	1.64%	1.82%	1.28%	1.64%	1.69%	2.02%	1.52%	1.20%	1.70%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.64%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSP and VPU in my portfolio?

RSP and VPU have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSP or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to RSP (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSP dropped -59.92% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, RSP or VPU?

On 10-year performance, RSP leads with 12.15% vs 9.06% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, RSP has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSP or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, RSP has performed better with a 12.15% return vs 9.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSP or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for RSP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSP or VPU?

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 1.47% for RSP.

What is the main difference between RSP and VPU?

RSP is categorized as S&P 500, while VPU is Utilities Equities. RSP tracks S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for RSP and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 0.83), 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.