VSLU vs. USPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSLU (Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF) and USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VSLU is actively managed, while USPX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSLU returned 13.08%/yr vs 11.89%/yr for USPX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSLU charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for USPX.

Performance

VSLU vs. USPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) and Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSLU achieves a 2.77% return, which is significantly lower than USPX's 7.94% return.

VSLU

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -2.51%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 3.11%
• 1Y: 21.37%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: —

USPX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 6.89%
• 1Y: 23.21%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 11.89%
• 10Y*: 12.60%

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

VSLU vs. USPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	2.77%	21.52%	23.80%	26.79%	-16.05%	14.11%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	7.94%	17.78%	24.97%	27.07%	-18.88%	9.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VSLU and USPX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2021	0.93

The correlation between VSLU and USPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSLU vs. USPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSLU	USPX
Technology	38.9%	37.7%
Communication Services	14.2%	10.3%
Healthcare	11.6%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	9.5%
Financial Services	8.8%	11.6%
Industrials	7.0%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	4.6%
Energy	2.0%	3.3%
Utilities	1.1%	2.5%
Basic Materials	1.0%	1.7%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VSLU vs. USPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSLU

VSLU Risk / Return Rank: 53
VSLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VSLU Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VSLU Martin Ratio Rank: 60

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 59
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

VSLU vs. USPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) and Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX). 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.

	VSLU	USPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.83	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.51	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.55	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.97	11.19	-1.21

VSLU vs. USPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSLU Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the USPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSLU and USPX, 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

VSLU vs. USPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSLU drawdown since its inception was -23.86%, smaller than the maximum USPX drawdown of -31.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSLU and USPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSLU	USPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.86%	-31.21%	+7.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-9.15%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.89%	-19.21%	+1.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.86%	-24.60%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.09%	-3.17%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.86%	-4.43%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	2.08%	+0.07%

Volatility

VSLU vs. USPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) is 3.73%, while Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) has a volatility of 4.89%. This indicates that VSLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSLU	USPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	4.89%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.74%	10.06%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.73%	12.74%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	16.28%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.12%	15.96%	+0.16%

VSLU vs. USPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSLU has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than USPX's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSLU vs. USPX - Dividend Comparison

VSLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than USPX's 0.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	0.83%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	0.45%	0.46%	0.60%	0.60%	0.99%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSLU and USPX in my portfolio?

VSLU and USPX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSLU or USPX?

USPX has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to VSLU (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSLU dropped -23.86% vs USPX's -31.21%.

Which ETF is better, VSLU or USPX?

On 5-year performance, VSLU leads with 13.08% vs 11.89% for USPX. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VSLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSLU or USPX?

Over the 5-year period, VSLU has performed better with a 13.08% return vs 11.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSLU or USPX?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VSLU.

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

USPX has the higher dividend yield at 0.83%, compared with 0.45% for VSLU.

What is the main difference between VSLU and USPX?

They also come from different issuers: Applied Finance and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VSLU and 0.03% for USPX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.69), 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.