VPU vs. PSCU
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU).
VPU and PSCU are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VPU is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. PSCU is a passively managed fund by Invesco that tracks the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index. It was launched on Apr 7, 2010. Both VPU and PSCU are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
VPU vs. PSCU - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VPU vs. PSCU - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 8.24% | 16.46% | 23.04% | -7.45% | 1.06% | 17.40% | -0.74% | 24.89% | 4.38% | 12.44% |
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF | 6.08% | -1.93% | 10.68% | 2.12% | -19.73% | 30.12% | 3.80% | 9.67% | -4.80% | 12.42% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 8.24% return, which is significantly higher than PSCU's 6.08% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has outperformed PSCU with an annualized return of 9.67%, while PSCU has yielded a comparatively lower 5.39% annualized return.
VPU
- 1D
- 0.42%
- 1M
- -2.05%
- YTD
- 8.24%
- 6M
- 5.69%
- 1Y
- 19.37%
- 3Y*
- 13.96%
- 5Y*
- 10.58%
- 10Y*
- 9.67%
PSCU
- 1D
- 1.10%
- 1M
- 3.75%
- YTD
- 6.08%
- 6M
- 7.00%
- 1Y
- 7.84%
- 3Y*
- 4.16%
- 5Y*
- 1.01%
- 10Y*
- 5.39%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VPU vs. PSCU - Expense Ratio Comparison
VPU has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than PSCU's 0.29% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VPU vs. PSCU — Risk / Return Rank
VPU
PSCU
VPU vs. PSCU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU). 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.
| VPU | PSCU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.25 | 0.44 | +0.81 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.71 | 0.75 | +0.96 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.09 | +0.14 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.22 | 0.74 | +1.47 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.27 | 2.11 | +3.16 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VPU | PSCU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.25 | 0.44 | +0.81 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.63 | 0.06 | +0.57 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.51 | 0.28 | +0.23 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.55 | 0.46 | +0.09 |
Correlation
The correlation between VPU and PSCU is 0.59, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VPU vs. PSCU - Dividend Comparison
VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, more than PSCU's 1.05% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 2.56% | 2.73% | 3.02% | 3.49% | 2.98% | 2.70% | 3.17% | 2.83% | 3.23% | 3.18% | 3.19% | 3.63% |
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF | 1.05% | 1.10% | 0.98% | 1.60% | 1.71% | 2.69% | 1.20% | 2.47% | 2.35% | 1.84% | 6.93% | 2.94% |
Drawdowns
VPU vs. PSCU - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than PSCU's maximum drawdown of -29.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and PSCU.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VPU | PSCU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.31% | -29.97% | -16.34% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.90% | -11.27% | +2.37% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.15% | -29.97% | +4.82% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.42% | -29.97% | -6.45% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.71% | -7.78% | +5.07% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.82% | -7.72% | -0.10% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.74% | 3.96% | -0.22% |
Volatility
VPU vs. PSCU - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) have volatilities of 4.99% and 5.19%, 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VPU | PSCU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.99% | 5.19% | -0.20% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.18% | 11.40% | -1.22% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.51% | 17.90% | -2.39% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.91% | 18.33% | -1.42% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.07% | 19.45% | -0.38% |