XLG vs. EWQ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) and EWQ (iShares MSCI France ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while EWQ is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI France Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLG returned 17.03%/yr vs 9.55%/yr for EWQ. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLG charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for EWQ.

Performance

XLG vs. EWQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) and iShares MSCI France ETF (EWQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLG achieves a 5.19% return, which is significantly higher than EWQ's 1.24% return. Over the past 10 years, XLG has outperformed EWQ with an annualized return of 17.03%, while EWQ has yielded a comparatively lower 9.55% annualized return.

XLG

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -1.03%
• YTD: 5.19%
• 6M: 4.76%
• 1Y: 25.02%
• 3Y*: 23.53%
• 5Y*: 15.66%
• 10Y*: 17.03%

EWQ

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 1.24%
• 6M: 2.53%
• 1Y: 8.79%
• 3Y*: 9.62%
• 5Y*: 6.16%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

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

XLG vs. EWQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	5.19%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%
EWQ iShares MSCI France ETF	1.24%	28.90%	-5.63%	21.71%	-12.05%	21.43%	2.86%	26.69%	-12.90%	29.11%

Correlation

The correlation between XLG and EWQ is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2005	0.71

The correlation between XLG and EWQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (3 years) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLG vs. EWQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLG	EWQ
Technology	43.9%	4.1%
Communication Services	17.1%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	12.0%
Financial Services	9.6%	12.8%
Healthcare	7.0%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	8.3%
Energy	2.7%	8.0%
Industrials	1.9%	31.7%
Basic Materials	0.6%	7.0%
Real Estate	-	1.4%
Utilities	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

XLG vs. EWQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 55
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 60
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

EWQ

EWQ Risk / Return Rank: 18
EWQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
EWQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
EWQ Omega Ratio Rank: 18
EWQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
EWQ Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

XLG vs. EWQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) and iShares MSCI France ETF (EWQ). 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.

	XLG	EWQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	0.51	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	0.83	+1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.10	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	0.64	+1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	1.96	+5.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XLG vs. EWQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the EWQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLG and EWQ, 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

	XLG	EWQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	0.51	+1.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.31	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91	0.46	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	0.27	+0.34

Drawdowns

XLG vs. EWQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLG drawdown since its inception was -52.39%, smaller than the maximum EWQ drawdown of -61.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLG and EWQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLG	EWQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.39%	-61.41%	+9.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-13.80%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.70%	-15.16%	-5.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	-31.46%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.46%	-39.23%	+8.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.62%	-5.79%	+2.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-16.07%	+8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	4.50%	-1.18%

Volatility

XLG vs. EWQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is 4.01%, while iShares MSCI France ETF (EWQ) has a volatility of 5.24%. This indicates that XLG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLG	EWQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	5.24%	-1.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.19%	13.76%	-3.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.57%	17.37%	-3.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.72%	19.81%	-1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.87%	20.82%	-1.95%

XLG vs. EWQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLG has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than EWQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLG vs. EWQ - Dividend Comparison

XLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than EWQ's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWQ iShares MSCI France ETF	2.60%	2.63%	3.31%	2.73%	3.23%	3.79%	1.02%	2.44%	2.90%	1.90%	2.84%	2.25%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.61%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLG and EWQ in my portfolio?

XLG and EWQ have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLG or EWQ?

EWQ has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to XLG (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLG dropped -52.39% vs EWQ's -61.41%.

Which ETF is better, XLG or EWQ?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 17.03% vs 9.55% for EWQ. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLG or EWQ?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 17.03% return vs 9.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLG or EWQ?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EWQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLG or EWQ?

EWQ has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 0.61% for XLG.

What is the main difference between XLG and EWQ?

XLG is categorized as S&P 500, while EWQ is Europe Equities. XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while EWQ tracks MSCI France Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for XLG and 0.50% for EWQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.51), 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.