USPX vs. SPXM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) and SPXM (Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. USPX is passively managed, while SPXM is actively managed. Over the past year, USPX returned 20.97% vs 8.67% for SPXM. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USPX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SPXM.

Performance

USPX vs. SPXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

USPX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 1.32%
• 6M: 8.11%
• YTD: 10.16%
• 1Y: 20.97%
• 3Y*: 20.10%
• 5Y*: 11.98%
• 10Y*: 12.30%

SPXM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 1Y: 8.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USPX vs. SPXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	10.16%	10.31%
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.00%	9.27%

Correlation

The correlation between USPX and SPXM is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.52

The correlation between USPX and SPXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USPX vs. SPXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 63
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SPXM

SPXM Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SPXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPXM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SPXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPXM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

USPX vs. SPXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). 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.

	USPX	SPXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.39	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	1.97	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.38	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	2.10	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.87	9.84	+0.03

USPX vs. SPXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the SPXM Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USPX and SPXM, 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

USPX vs. SPXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USPX drawdown since its inception was -31.21%, which is greater than SPXM's maximum drawdown of -5.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USPX and SPXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	USPX	SPXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.21%	-5.08%	-26.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-5.08%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.19%	-0.75%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.42%	-0.78%	-3.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	—	—

Volatility

USPX vs. SPXM - Volatility Comparison

Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) has a higher volatility of 3.95% compared to Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM) at 0.00%. This indicates that USPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USPX	SPXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	0.00%	+3.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	3.99%	+6.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	7.68%	+5.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.28%	7.64%	+8.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.95%	7.64%	+8.31%

USPX vs. SPXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

USPX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXM's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

USPX vs. SPXM - Dividend Comparison

USPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than SPXM's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.24%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	1.09%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USPX and SPXM in my portfolio?

USPX and SPXM have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USPX or SPXM?

USPX has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to SPXM (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USPX dropped -31.21% vs SPXM's -5.08%.

Which ETF is better, USPX or SPXM?

On 1-year performance, USPX leads with 20.97% vs 8.67% for SPXM. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SPXM has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USPX or SPXM?

Over the 1-year period, USPX has performed better with a 20.97% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USPX or SPXM?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SPXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USPX or SPXM?

USPX has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.24% for SPXM.

What is the main difference between USPX and SPXM?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Azoria. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for USPX and 0.47% for SPXM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.39), 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.