SPYG vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both S&P 500 funds - SPYG tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index while XLG tracks the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPYG returned 18.05%/yr vs 16.94%/yr for XLG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPYG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

SPYG vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPYG achieves a 8.70% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 1.60% return. Over the past 10 years, SPYG has outperformed XLG with an annualized return of 18.05%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively lower 16.94% annualized return.

SPYG

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 8.70%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 26.87%
• 3Y*: 25.48%
• 5Y*: 14.11%
• 10Y*: 18.05%

XLG

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: -5.41%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 19.95%
• 3Y*: 21.35%
• 5Y*: 14.28%
• 10Y*: 16.94%

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

SPYG vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.70%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-0.12%	27.24%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	1.60%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYG and XLG is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2005	0.94

The correlation between SPYG and XLG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPYG vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPYG	XLG
Technology	52.1%	46.8%
Communication Services	15.9%	16.0%
Financial Services	9.0%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	11.2%
Healthcare	5.9%	7.0%
Industrials	5.4%	1.9%
Utilities	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	5.2%
Real Estate	0.6%	-
Basic Materials	0.3%	0.6%
Energy	0.1%	2.4%

Return for Risk

SPYG vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 45
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 39
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

SPYG vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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.

	SPYG	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.44	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	1.98	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.26	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	1.61	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.79	5.77	+2.02

SPYG vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYG Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYG and XLG, 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

SPYG vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYG drawdown since its inception was -67.63%, which is greater than XLG's maximum drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYG and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYG	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.63%	-52.39%	-15.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.76%	-12.41%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.14%	-20.70%	-1.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.67%	-28.02%	-4.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.67%	-30.46%	-2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.52%	-6.91%	+1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.28%	-7.63%	-16.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	3.46%	0.00%

Volatility

SPYG vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) has a higher volatility of 7.26% compared to Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) at 5.04%. This indicates that SPYG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPYG	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.26%	5.04%	+2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.90%	10.74%	+3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.26%	13.98%	+3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.36%	18.79%	+2.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.73%	18.88%	+1.85%

SPYG vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPYG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPYG vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

SPYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than XLG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.50%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.66%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPYG and XLG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SPYG and XLG 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, SPYG or XLG?

SPYG has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to XLG (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYG dropped -67.63% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, SPYG or XLG?

On 10-year performance, SPYG leads with 18.05% vs 16.94% for XLG. On fees, SPYG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYG or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, SPYG has performed better with a 18.05% return vs 16.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYG or XLG?

SPYG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for XLG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPYG or XLG?

XLG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.50% for SPYG.

What is the main difference between SPYG and XLG?

SPYG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for SPYG and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.44), 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.