RSPM vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

RSPM (Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight Materials ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Materials funds - RSPM tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Materials Index while XLB tracks the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RSPM returned 10.66%/yr vs 10.21%/yr for XLB. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSPM charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

RSPM vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSPM achieves a 15.65% return, which is significantly higher than XLB's 14.11% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RSPM having a 10.66% annualized return and XLB not far behind at 10.21%.

RSPM

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 15.65%
• 6M: 19.54%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 10.32%
• 5Y*: 4.30%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

XLB

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 14.11%
• 6M: 17.72%
• 1Y: 20.97%
• 3Y*: 11.63%
• 5Y*: 5.35%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

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

RSPM vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RSPM Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight Materials ETF	15.65%	6.90%	-1.30%	8.32%	-9.95%	31.21%	22.77%	25.11%	-14.75%	25.87%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	14.11%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between RSPM and XLB is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2006	0.90

The correlation between RSPM and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

RSPM vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSPM	XLB
Basic Materials	79.4%	87.6%
Consumer Cyclical	20.6%	12.4%
Industrials	3.5%	1.5%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RSPM vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSPM

RSPM Risk / Return Rank: 39
RSPM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
RSPM Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
RSPM Omega Ratio Rank: 36
RSPM Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
RSPM Martin Ratio Rank: 37

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 34
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

RSPM vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight Materials ETF (RSPM) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	RSPM	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.26	+0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.83	+0.22
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.22	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	1.75	+0.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	5.48	+0.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSPM vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSPM Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSPM and XLB, 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

	RSPM	XLB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	1.26	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21	0.28	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.50	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.36	+0.03

Drawdowns

RSPM vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSPM drawdown since its inception was -61.18%, roughly equal to the maximum XLB drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSPM and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSPM	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.18%	-59.83%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.32%	-12.38%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.19%	-23.17%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.19%	-24.72%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.84%	-37.27%	-2.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.23%	-3.49%	-0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.79%	-10.84%	+2.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.48%	3.96%	+0.52%

Volatility

RSPM vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight Materials ETF (RSPM) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) have volatilities of 5.95% and 5.91%, 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

	RSPM	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.95%	5.91%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.41%	12.85%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.16%	16.79%	+1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	18.94%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	20.65%	+1.28%

RSPM vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSPM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSPM vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

RSPM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than XLB's 1.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RSPM Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight Materials ETF	1.50%	2.06%	2.04%	2.05%	2.19%	1.43%	1.57%	1.81%	1.83%	1.50%	1.28%	1.57%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.70%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSPM and XLB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, RSPM and XLB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RSPM or XLB?

RSPM has higher volatility (5.95%) compared to XLB (5.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSPM dropped -61.18% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, RSPM or XLB?

On 10-year performance, RSPM leads with 10.66% vs 10.21% for XLB. On fees, XLB 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, RSPM or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, RSPM has performed better with a 10.66% return vs 10.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSPM or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for RSPM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSPM or XLB?

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.70%, compared with 1.50% for RSPM.

What is the main difference between RSPM and XLB?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSPM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.25), 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.