XMLV vs. XMHQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XMLV (Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF) and XMHQ (Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Low Volatility Index, while XMHQ is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Quality Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XMLV returned 7.92%/yr vs 12.59%/yr for XMHQ. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with XMLV having a 10.06% return and XMHQ slightly higher at 10.37%. Over the past 10 years, XMLV has underperformed XMHQ with an annualized return of 7.92%, while XMHQ has yielded a comparatively higher 12.59% annualized return.

XMLV

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 2.94%
• 6M: 7.85%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 1Y: 12.17%
• 3Y*: 11.90%
• 5Y*: 7.19%
• 10Y*: 7.92%

XMHQ

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 1.42%
• 6M: 5.24%
• YTD: 10.37%
• 1Y: 14.01%
• 3Y*: 13.50%
• 5Y*: 10.14%
• 10Y*: 12.59%

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

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XMLV Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF	10.06%	5.55%	17.08%	1.86%	-6.55%	23.00%	-8.42%	23.77%	-0.16%	13.72%
XMHQ Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF	10.37%	4.71%	16.79%	29.51%	-12.42%	20.98%	26.61%	27.18%	-9.08%	15.64%

Correlation

The correlation between XMLV and XMHQ is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2013	0.71

The correlation between XMLV and XMHQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.76 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XMLV	XMHQ
Real Estate	33.7%	-
Financial Services	24.2%	14.3%
Utilities	18.5%	2.2%
Industrials	9.8%	25.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	9.4%
Energy	3.7%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	3.4%
Healthcare	2.1%	20.4%
Basic Materials	1.1%	5.0%
Communication Services	1.0%	2.7%
Technology	1.0%	13.5%

Return for Risk

XMLV vs. XMHQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XMLV

XMLV Risk / Return Rank: 40
XMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
XMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
XMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 35
XMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
XMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 44

XMHQ

XMHQ Risk / Return Rank: 33
XMHQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
XMHQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
XMHQ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
XMHQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XMHQ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ). 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.

	XMLV	XMHQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	0.90	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	1.41	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.16	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	1.59	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.73	4.64	+1.09

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XMLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the XMHQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XMLV and XMHQ, 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

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XMLV drawdown since its inception was -39.86%, smaller than the maximum XMHQ drawdown of -58.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XMLV and XMHQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XMLV	XMHQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.86%	-58.19%	+18.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.03%	-8.85%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.80%	-24.56%	+10.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.53%	-25.47%	+8.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.86%	-36.90%	-2.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.71%	+1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.24%	-9.24%	+5.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	3.03%	-0.90%

Volatility

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) is 3.47%, while Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ) has a volatility of 3.78%. This indicates that XMLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XMHQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XMLV	XMHQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	3.78%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.92%	11.31%	-3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.67%	15.73%	-5.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.48%	20.67%	-6.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	20.63%	-3.68%

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XMLV and XMHQ have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XMLV vs. XMHQ - Dividend Comparison

XMLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than XMHQ's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XMHQ Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF	0.58%	0.64%	5.20%	0.73%	1.72%	1.00%	1.12%	1.22%	1.59%	1.06%	1.63%	1.34%
XMLV Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF	2.88%	2.87%	2.23%	2.34%	2.05%	1.14%	1.93%	2.02%	2.13%	1.74%	1.72%	1.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XMLV and XMHQ in my portfolio?

XMLV and XMHQ have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XMLV or XMHQ?

XMHQ has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to XMLV (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XMLV dropped -39.86% vs XMHQ's -58.19%.

Which ETF is better, XMLV or XMHQ?

On 10-year performance, XMHQ leads with 12.59% vs 7.92% for XMLV. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, XMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XMLV or XMHQ?

Over the 10-year period, XMHQ has performed better with a 12.59% return vs 7.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XMLV or XMHQ?

XMLV and XMHQ have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XMLV or XMHQ?

XMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 0.58% for XMHQ.

What is the main difference between XMLV and XMHQ?

XMLV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while XMHQ is Mid Cap Blend Equities. XMLV tracks S&P MidCap 400 Low Volatility Index, while XMHQ tracks S&P MidCap 400 Quality Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.90), 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.