TAGG vs. TSPA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

TAGG (T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF) and TSPA (T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TAGG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by T. Rowe Price, while TSPA is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by T. Rowe Price. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, TAGG returned 4.06%/yr vs 23.24%/yr for TSPA. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TAGG charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for TSPA.

Performance

TAGG vs. TSPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) and T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF (TSPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TAGG achieves a 0.29% return, which is significantly lower than TSPA's 11.85% return.

TAGG

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.29%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 4.52%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TSPA

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 4.46%
• YTD: 11.85%
• 6M: 11.71%
• 1Y: 28.29%
• 3Y*: 23.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TAGG vs. TSPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TAGG T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF	0.29%	7.40%	1.73%	5.72%	-12.63%	0.01%
TSPA T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF	11.85%	16.44%	26.37%	29.95%	-18.70%	9.63%

Correlation

The correlation between TAGG and TSPA is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.14

The correlation between TAGG and TSPA shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

TAGG vs. TSPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TAGG	TSPA
Technology	52.7%	33.6%
Communication Services	15.2%	10.7%
Consumer Cyclical	14.3%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	5.0%
Healthcare	5.0%	9.5%
Industrials	3.5%	8.0%
Basic Materials	1.3%	1.9%
Utilities	1.3%	2.6%
Energy	0.6%	4.1%
Financial Services	0.6%	12.8%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

TAGG vs. TSPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TAGG

TAGG Risk / Return Rank: 32
TAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
TAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
TAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
TAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
TAGG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

TSPA

TSPA Risk / Return Rank: 71
TSPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TSPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
TSPA Omega Ratio Rank: 72
TSPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
TSPA Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

TAGG vs. TSPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) and T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF (TSPA). 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.

	TAGG	TSPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	2.32	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	3.17	-1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.42	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	3.08	-1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.20	14.32	-10.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TAGG vs. TSPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TAGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is lower than the TSPA Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TAGG and TSPA, 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

	TAGG	TSPA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	2.32	-1.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	0.87	-0.83

Drawdowns

TAGG vs. TSPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TAGG drawdown since its inception was -17.26%, smaller than the maximum TSPA drawdown of -24.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TAGG and TSPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TAGG	TSPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.26%	-24.72%	+7.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.19%	-9.24%	+6.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.40%	-19.04%	+12.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-0.19%	-1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.86%	-5.49%	-1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	1.98%	-0.90%

Volatility

TAGG vs. TSPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) is 1.19%, while T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF (TSPA) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that TAGG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TAGG	TSPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	2.92%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	9.44%	-6.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.83%	12.25%	-8.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.53%	16.99%	-10.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.53%	16.99%	-10.46%

TAGG vs. TSPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TAGG has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than TSPA's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

TAGG vs. TSPA - Dividend Comparison

TAGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, more than TSPA's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TAGG T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF	4.58%	4.36%	4.36%	3.48%	3.67%	0.33%
TSPA T. Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF	0.56%	0.62%	0.50%	0.41%	1.16%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TAGG and TSPA in my portfolio?

TAGG and TSPA have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TAGG or TSPA?

TSPA has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to TAGG (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TAGG dropped -17.26% vs TSPA's -24.72%.

Which ETF is better, TAGG or TSPA?

On 3-year performance, TSPA leads with 23.24% vs 4.06% for TAGG. On fees, TAGG is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, TAGG has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TAGG or TSPA?

Over the 3-year period, TSPA has performed better with a 23.24% return vs 4.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TAGG or TSPA?

TAGG is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for TSPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TAGG or TSPA?

TAGG has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 0.56% for TSPA.

What is the main difference between TAGG and TSPA?

TAGG is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while TSPA is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for TAGG and 0.34% for TSPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.21), 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.