XLG vs. IFRA

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) and IFRA (iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while IFRA is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XLG returned 15.57%/yr vs 13.63%/yr for IFRA. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLG charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for IFRA.

Performance

XLG vs. IFRA - 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 U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLG achieves a 5.56% return, which is significantly lower than IFRA's 19.01% return.

XLG

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 5.56%
• 6M: 6.64%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 22.53%
• 5Y*: 15.57%
• 10Y*: 17.23%

IFRA

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.86%
• YTD: 19.01%
• 6M: 17.73%
• 1Y: 31.64%
• 3Y*: 19.65%
• 5Y*: 13.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

XLG vs. IFRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	5.56%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-2.30%
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	19.01%	15.90%	17.02%	13.42%	-3.32%	29.81%	7.37%	27.00%	-7.97%

Correlation

The correlation between XLG and IFRA is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2018	0.55

The correlation between XLG and IFRA shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLG vs. IFRA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLG	IFRA
Technology	45.9%	-
Communication Services	15.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	0.0%
Financial Services	9.5%	-
Healthcare	7.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	0.0%
Energy	2.6%	7.9%
Industrials	2.0%	39.4%
Basic Materials	0.6%	14.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	37.7%

Return for Risk

XLG vs. IFRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 56
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

IFRA

IFRA Risk / Return Rank: 75
IFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. IFRA - 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 U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA). 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.

	XLG	IFRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.11	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.07	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.35	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	3.78	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	13.85	-6.30

XLG vs. IFRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the IFRA Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLG and IFRA, 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

XLG vs. IFRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLG drawdown since its inception was -52.39%, which is greater than IFRA's maximum drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLG and IFRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLG	IFRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.39%	-41.06%	-11.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-8.40%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.70%	-19.93%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	-19.93%	-8.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.28%	-0.87%	-2.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-5.13%	-2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	2.29%	+1.10%

Volatility

XLG vs. IFRA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is 4.58%, while iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that XLG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IFRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLG	IFRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	5.33%	-0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.57%	11.64%	-1.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.78%	15.11%	-1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.76%	17.98%	+0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.88%	21.37%	-2.49%

XLG vs. IFRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLG has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than IFRA's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLG vs. IFRA - Dividend Comparison

XLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than IFRA's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	1.86%	1.84%	1.75%	1.98%	1.98%	1.63%	2.08%	1.68%	2.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 IFRA in my portfolio?

XLG and IFRA have a correlation of 0.37, 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 IFRA?

IFRA has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to XLG (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLG dropped -52.39% vs IFRA's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, XLG or IFRA?

On 5-year performance, XLG leads with 15.57% vs 13.63% for IFRA. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLG or IFRA?

Over the 5-year period, XLG has performed better with a 15.57% return vs 13.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLG or IFRA?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IFRA.

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

IFRA has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 0.61% for XLG.

What is the main difference between XLG and IFRA?

XLG is categorized as S&P 500, while IFRA is Industrials Equities. XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while IFRA tracks NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for XLG and 0.30% for IFRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IFRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.86), 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.