WLTG vs. USPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WLTG (WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF) and USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. WLTG is actively managed, while USPX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, WLTG returned 22.76%/yr vs 20.72%/yr for USPX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WLTG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for USPX.

Performance

WLTG vs. USPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (WLTG) 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, WLTG achieves a 5.87% return, which is significantly lower than USPX's 7.94% return.

WLTG

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: -0.80%
• YTD: 5.87%
• 6M: 4.59%
• 1Y: 24.44%
• 3Y*: 22.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

WLTG vs. USPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
WLTG WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF	5.87%	24.55%	26.90%	17.00%	-22.64%	1.43%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	7.94%	17.78%	24.97%	27.07%	-18.88%	4.41%

Correlation

The correlation between WLTG and USPX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2021	0.93

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

Return for Risk

WLTG vs. USPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WLTG

WLTG Risk / Return Rank: 57
WLTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
WLTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
WLTG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
WLTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
WLTG Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

WLTG vs. USPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (WLTG) 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.

	WLTG	USPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.83	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.51	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.55	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.26	11.19	+0.07

WLTG vs. USPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WLTG Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the USPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WLTG 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

WLTG vs. USPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WLTG drawdown since its inception was -25.14%, smaller than the maximum USPX drawdown of -31.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WLTG and USPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WLTG	USPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.14%	-31.21%	+6.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	-9.15%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.12%	-19.21%	+2.09%
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	-2.33%	-3.17%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.98%	-4.43%	-4.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.18%	2.08%	+0.10%

Volatility

WLTG vs. USPX - Volatility Comparison

WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (WLTG) and Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) have volatilities of 5.08% and 4.89%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	WLTG	USPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	4.89%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.02%	10.06%	+0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.07%	12.74%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.21%	16.28%	-1.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.21%	15.96%	-0.75%

WLTG vs. USPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WLTG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than USPX's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

WLTG vs. USPX - Dividend Comparison

WLTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, more 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%
WLTG WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF	4.18%	4.43%	0.55%	0.71%	0.44%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WLTG and USPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, WLTG and USPX 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, WLTG or USPX?

WLTG has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to USPX (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WLTG dropped -25.14% vs USPX's -31.21%.

Which ETF is better, WLTG or USPX?

On 3-year performance, WLTG leads with 22.76% vs 20.72% for USPX. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, USPX has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WLTG or USPX?

Over the 3-year period, WLTG has performed better with a 22.76% return vs 20.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WLTG or USPX?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for WLTG.

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

WLTG has the higher dividend yield at 4.18%, compared with 0.83% for USPX.

What is the main difference between WLTG and USPX?

They also come from different issuers: WealthTrust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for WLTG and 0.03% for USPX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.75), 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.