XLG vs. PPA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) and PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while PPA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the SPADE Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLG returned 16.94%/yr vs 17.79%/yr for PPA. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLG charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for PPA.

Performance

XLG vs. PPA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLG achieves a 1.60% return, which is significantly lower than PPA's 9.76% return. Over the past 10 years, XLG has underperformed PPA with an annualized return of 16.94%, while PPA has yielded a comparatively higher 17.79% annualized return.

XLG

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: -5.41%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 19.95%
• 3Y*: 21.35%
• 5Y*: 14.28%
• 10Y*: 16.94%

PPA

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 9.76%
• 6M: 7.56%
• 1Y: 26.02%
• 3Y*: 28.78%
• 5Y*: 18.41%
• 10Y*: 17.79%

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

XLG vs. PPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	1.60%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	9.76%	37.15%	25.28%	18.41%	9.52%	7.09%	0.45%	39.63%	-7.51%	30.10%

Correlation

The correlation between XLG and PPA is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2005	0.70

Over the past year, the correlation between XLG and PPA has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.70, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XLG vs. PPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLG	PPA
Technology	46.8%	9.2%
Communication Services	16.0%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	-
Financial Services	9.0%	0.1%
Healthcare	7.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	-
Energy	2.4%	-
Industrials	1.9%	90.6%
Basic Materials	0.6%	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLG vs. PPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 39
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 38
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 35
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. PPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). 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	PPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.30	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	1.96	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.23	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	1.91	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.77	5.29	+0.48

XLG vs. PPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the PPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLG and PPA, 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. PPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLG drawdown since its inception was -52.39%, smaller than the maximum PPA drawdown of -57.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLG and PPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLG	PPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.39%	-57.37%	+4.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-13.71%	+1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.70%	-15.24%	-5.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	-18.37%	-9.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.46%	-43.92%	+13.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.91%	-7.37%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-9.18%	+1.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	4.93%	-1.47%

Volatility

XLG vs. PPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is 5.04%, while Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) has a volatility of 8.40%. This indicates that XLG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLG	PPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	8.40%	-3.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.74%	17.09%	-6.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.98%	20.15%	-6.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.79%	18.70%	+0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.88%	20.73%	-1.85%

XLG vs. PPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLG has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than PPA's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLG vs. PPA - Dividend Comparison

XLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, more than PPA's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.37%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.66%	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 PPA in my portfolio?

XLG and PPA have a correlation of 0.46, 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 PPA?

PPA has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to XLG (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLG dropped -52.39% vs PPA's -57.37%.

Which ETF is better, XLG or PPA?

On 10-year performance, PPA leads with 17.79% vs 16.94% for XLG. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLG or PPA?

Over the 10-year period, PPA has performed better with a 17.79% return vs 16.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLG or PPA?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PPA.

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

XLG has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.37% for PPA.

What is the main difference between XLG and PPA?

XLG is categorized as S&P 500, while PPA is Aerospace & Defense. XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while PPA tracks SPADE Defense Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for XLG and 0.58% for PPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.30), 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.