RSPC vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RSPC (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Communications Equities funds - RSPC tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services Plus Index while XLC tracks the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RSPC returned -0.76%/yr vs 6.99%/yr for XLC. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSPC charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

RSPC vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSPC achieves a -10.64% return, which is significantly lower than XLC's -8.35% return.

RSPC

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -5.33%
• YTD: -10.64%
• 6M: -10.20%
• 1Y: -2.95%
• 3Y*: 10.22%
• 5Y*: -0.76%
• 10Y*: —

XLC

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: -6.85%
• YTD: -8.35%
• 6M: -8.09%
• 1Y: 4.55%
• 3Y*: 20.09%
• 5Y*: 6.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

RSPC vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
RSPC Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF	-10.64%	18.44%	17.98%	17.92%	-29.00%	14.55%	22.14%	21.35%	-11.38%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-8.35%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between RSPC and XLC is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2018	0.85

The correlation between RSPC and XLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

RSPC vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSPC	XLC
Communication Services	95.2%	95.6%
Technology	4.8%	4.2%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RSPC vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSPC

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

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 13
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 12
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

RSPC vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	RSPC	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.21	0.34	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.21	0.57	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.07	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	0.43	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.50	1.27	-1.78

RSPC vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSPC Sharpe Ratio is -0.21, which is lower than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSPC and XLC, 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

RSPC vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSPC drawdown since its inception was -38.03%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSPC and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSPC	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.03%	-46.65%	+8.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.05%	-10.57%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.06%	-17.97%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.96%	-46.65%	+8.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.39%	-10.15%	-3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.69%	-10.57%	-2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.85%	3.58%	+2.27%

Volatility

RSPC vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) have volatilities of 4.67% and 4.67%, 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

	RSPC	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	4.67%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.78%	10.24%	-0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.86%	13.54%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.61%	20.74%	-2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.74%	22.17%	-1.43%

RSPC vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSPC has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSPC vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

RSPC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, more than XLC's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
RSPC Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF	1.84%	1.66%	1.03%	0.98%	1.45%	1.10%	1.05%	0.90%	0.24%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.33%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSPC and XLC in my portfolio?

RSPC and XLC have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSPC or XLC?

XLC has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to RSPC (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSPC dropped -38.03% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, RSPC or XLC?

On 5-year performance, XLC leads with 6.99% vs -0.76% for RSPC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% 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, RSPC or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, XLC has performed better with a 6.99% return vs -0.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSPC or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for RSPC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSPC or XLC?

RSPC has the higher dividend yield at 1.84%, compared with 1.33% for XLC.

What is the main difference between RSPC and XLC?

RSPC tracks S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services Plus Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for RSPC and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.34 vs -0.21), 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.