SPLV vs. DEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPLV (Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF) and DEF (Invesco Defensive Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPLV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while DEF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Invesco Defensive Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPLV returned 8.01%/yr vs 10.28%/yr for DEF. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.53%/yr for DEF.

Performance

SPLV vs. DEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and Invesco Defensive Equity ETF (DEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPLV achieves a 1.32% return, which is significantly higher than DEF's -2.29% return. Over the past 10 years, SPLV has underperformed DEF with an annualized return of 8.01%, while DEF has yielded a comparatively higher 10.28% annualized return.

SPLV

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -2.50%
• YTD: 1.32%
• 6M: 1.06%
• 1Y: -0.03%
• 3Y*: 7.54%
• 5Y*: 5.33%
• 10Y*: 8.01%

DEF

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: -2.29%
• 6M: -2.55%
• 1Y: 4.21%
• 3Y*: 10.86%
• 5Y*: 7.41%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

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

SPLV vs. DEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	1.32%	4.10%	13.93%	0.53%	-4.88%	24.13%	-1.39%	27.87%	-0.19%	17.32%
DEF Invesco Defensive Equity ETF	-2.29%	11.71%	13.18%	10.58%	-7.67%	24.93%	7.61%	27.98%	-3.96%	21.52%

Correlation

The correlation between SPLV and DEF is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2011	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between SPLV and DEF has dropped to 0.54 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SPLV vs. DEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPLV	DEF
Utilities	26.8%	4.8%
Financial Services	16.6%	16.1%
Real Estate	14.8%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	10.8%	12.9%
Industrials	10.1%	15.6%
Healthcare	6.8%	16.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	10.1%
Technology	4.6%	12.1%
Basic Materials	2.0%	2.1%
Energy	0.9%	1.0%
Communication Services	0.9%	4.7%

Return for Risk

SPLV vs. DEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPLV

SPLV Risk / Return Rank: 8
SPLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
SPLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SPLV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
SPLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
SPLV Martin Ratio Rank: 8

DEF

DEF Risk / Return Rank: 14
DEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
DEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
DEF Omega Ratio Rank: 13
DEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
DEF 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.

SPLV vs. DEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and Invesco Defensive Equity ETF (DEF). 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.

	SPLV	DEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.00	0.36	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.06	0.61	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.07	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.00	0.43	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.01	1.18	-1.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPLV vs. DEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPLV Sharpe Ratio is -0.00, which is lower than the DEF Sharpe Ratio of 0.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPLV and DEF, 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

	SPLV	DEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.00	0.36	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.54	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.64	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.68	0.54	+0.14

Drawdowns

SPLV vs. DEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPLV drawdown since its inception was -36.26%, smaller than the maximum DEF drawdown of -47.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPLV and DEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPLV	DEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.26%	-47.91%	+11.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.41%	-9.76%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.64%	-15.00%	+5.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.26%	-17.75%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.26%	-36.53%	+0.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.91%	-6.44%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-6.24%	+2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	3.59%	-0.54%

Volatility

SPLV vs. DEF - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and Invesco Defensive Equity ETF (DEF) have volatilities of 2.97% and 3.12%, 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

	SPLV	DEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	3.12%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.78%	8.80%	-2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.78%	11.73%	-1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	13.92%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.36%	16.05%	-0.69%

SPLV vs. DEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DEF's 0.53% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPLV vs. DEF - Dividend Comparison

SPLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than DEF's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEF Invesco Defensive Equity ETF	0.96%	0.94%	0.79%	1.60%	1.48%	1.06%	1.34%	1.16%	1.39%	1.63%	2.18%	3.31%
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	2.22%	2.04%	1.88%	2.45%	2.11%	1.51%	2.12%	2.08%	2.18%	2.03%	2.03%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPLV and DEF in my portfolio?

SPLV and DEF have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPLV or DEF?

DEF has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to SPLV (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPLV dropped -36.26% vs DEF's -47.91%.

Which ETF is better, SPLV or DEF?

On 10-year performance, DEF leads with 10.28% vs 8.01% for SPLV. On fees, SPLV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SPLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPLV or DEF?

Over the 10-year period, DEF has performed better with a 10.28% return vs 8.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPLV or DEF?

SPLV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for DEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPLV or DEF?

SPLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.96% for DEF.

What is the main difference between SPLV and DEF?

SPLV is categorized as S&P 500, while DEF is Large Cap Growth Equities. SPLV tracks S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while DEF tracks Invesco Defensive Equity Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for SPLV and 0.53% for DEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.36 vs -0.00), 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.