SLYG vs. RFG

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) and RFG (Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - SLYG tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index while RFG tracks the S&P Mid Cap 400 Pure Growth. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SLYG returned 11.10%/yr vs 9.80%/yr for RFG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SLYG charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RFG.

Performance

SLYG vs. RFG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) and Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLYG achieves a 23.22% return, which is significantly higher than RFG's 16.27% return. Over the past 10 years, SLYG has outperformed RFG with an annualized return of 11.10%, while RFG has yielded a comparatively lower 9.80% annualized return.

SLYG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 2.65%
• 6M: 17.16%
• YTD: 23.22%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

RFG

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: -4.02%
• 6M: 9.01%
• YTD: 16.27%
• 1Y: 22.45%
• 3Y*: 15.96%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: 9.80%

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

SLYG vs. RFG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	23.22%	5.20%	9.38%	17.27%	-21.26%	22.42%	19.48%	20.97%	-4.20%	14.62%
RFG Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF	16.27%	8.80%	17.80%	16.42%	-21.70%	13.81%	32.86%	17.09%	-13.98%	20.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SLYG and RFG is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2006	0.89

The correlation between SLYG and RFG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SLYG vs. RFG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SLYG	RFG
Industrials	18.8%	32.3%
Technology	17.5%	22.8%
Healthcare	17.0%	19.0%
Financial Services	14.2%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	3.0%
Real Estate	6.5%	1.8%
Energy	4.5%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	4.8%
Basic Materials	2.9%	2.9%
Communication Services	2.8%	0.5%
Utilities	1.7%	2.6%

Return for Risk

SLYG vs. RFG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 74

RFG

RFG Risk / Return Rank: 46
RFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
RFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
RFG Omega Ratio Rank: 37
RFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
RFG Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

SLYG vs. RFG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) and Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG). 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.

	SLYG	RFG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.15	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	1.72	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.20	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	2.17	+0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.72	8.29	+2.43

SLYG vs. RFG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLYG Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the RFG Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLYG and RFG, 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

SLYG vs. RFG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLYG drawdown since its inception was -62.92%, which is greater than RFG's maximum drawdown of -51.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLYG and RFG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLYG	RFG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.92%	-51.93%	-10.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.10%	-10.41%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.39%	-26.71%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.18%	-35.16%	+5.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.86%	-42.92%	+1.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.96%	-5.63%	+2.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.85%	-8.93%	-5.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	2.72%	-0.11%

Volatility

SLYG vs. RFG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) is 4.36%, while Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG) has a volatility of 5.45%. This indicates that SLYG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RFG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLYG	RFG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	5.45%	-1.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	15.81%	-2.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.93%	19.59%	-1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.55%	22.96%	-1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.71%	23.06%	-0.35%

SLYG vs. RFG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLYG has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than RFG's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLYG vs. RFG - Dividend Comparison

SLYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, more than RFG's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFG Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF	0.14%	0.43%	0.38%	0.99%	0.78%	0.05%	0.27%	0.64%	0.76%	0.66%	0.35%	0.61%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.66%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLYG and RFG in my portfolio?

SLYG and RFG have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLYG or RFG?

RFG has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to SLYG (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLYG dropped -62.92% vs RFG's -51.93%.

Which ETF is better, SLYG or RFG?

On 10-year performance, SLYG leads with 11.10% vs 9.80% for RFG. On fees, SLYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SLYG has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLYG or RFG?

Over the 10-year period, SLYG has performed better with a 11.10% return vs 9.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLYG or RFG?

SLYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for RFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLYG or RFG?

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.14% for RFG.

What is the main difference between SLYG and RFG?

SLYG tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, while RFG tracks S&P Mid Cap 400 Pure Growth. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for SLYG and 0.35% for RFG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.15), 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.