RSPS vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

RSPS (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSPS is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weighted / Consumer Staples -SEC, 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, RSPS returned 4.67%/yr vs 9.06%/yr for VPU. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSPS charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

RSPS vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS) 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, RSPS achieves a 7.30% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, RSPS has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 4.67%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.06% annualized return.

RSPS

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 7.30%
• 6M: 4.56%
• 1Y: 6.07%
• 3Y*: 0.13%
• 5Y*: 1.38%
• 10Y*: 4.67%

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)

RSPS vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RSPS Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF	7.30%	-0.88%	-1.47%	-5.39%	2.88%	14.68%	6.19%	28.17%	-10.86%	14.20%
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 RSPS and VPU is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2006	0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between RSPS and VPU has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

RSPS vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSPS	VPU
Consumer Defensive	97.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	99.3%

Return for Risk

RSPS vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSPS

RSPS Risk / Return Rank: 14
RSPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
RSPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
RSPS Omega Ratio Rank: 14
RSPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
RSPS Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

RSPS vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS) 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.

	RSPS	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.35	0.83	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.60	1.20	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.15	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.42	1.34	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.77	2.91	-2.13

RSPS vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSPS Sharpe Ratio is 0.35, which is lower than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSPS 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

RSPS vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSPS drawdown since its inception was -35.93%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSPS and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSPS	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.93%	-46.31%	+10.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.72%	-8.90%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.53%	-17.34%	+0.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.61%	-25.15%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.42%	-36.42%	+11.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.32%	-5.69%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.05%	-7.78%	+2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.29%	4.10%	+2.19%

Volatility

RSPS vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS) is 4.33%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.55%. This indicates that RSPS 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

	RSPS	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	5.55%	-1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.48%	11.52%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.78%	14.41%	-0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.65%	17.07%	-3.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.89%	19.13%	-4.24%

RSPS vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSPS has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSPS vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

RSPS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.71%, more than VPU's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RSPS Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF	2.71%	2.82%	2.86%	2.78%	2.31%	2.07%	2.14%	2.12%	2.43%	1.90%	1.76%	1.77%
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 RSPS and VPU in my portfolio?

RSPS and VPU have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSPS or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to RSPS (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSPS dropped -35.93% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, RSPS or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.06% vs 4.67% for RSPS. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, RSPS has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSPS or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.06% return vs 4.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSPS or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for RSPS.

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

RSPS has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 2.64% for VPU.

What is the main difference between RSPS and VPU?

RSPS is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. RSPS tracks S&P 500 Equal Weighted / Consumer Staples -SEC, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for RSPS and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.83 vs 0.35), 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.