XSLV vs. XSHD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XSLV (Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF) and XSHD (Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds from Invesco - XSLV tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility Index while XSHD tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XSLV returned 4.94%/yr vs -3.14%/yr for XSHD. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XSLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for XSHD.

Performance

XSLV vs. XSHD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XSLV achieves a 14.75% return, which is significantly higher than XSHD's 13.57% return.

XSLV

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.52%
• 6M: 11.86%
• YTD: 14.75%
• 1Y: 16.62%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 4.94%
• 10Y*: 5.75%

XSHD

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 2.33%
• 6M: 8.65%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: 1.70%
• 5Y*: -3.14%
• 10Y*: —

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

XSLV vs. XSHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XSLV Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF	14.75%	0.31%	9.81%	1.34%	-11.83%	29.34%	-17.40%	22.35%	-5.41%	8.57%
XSHD Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	13.57%	-6.41%	-5.25%	3.00%	-19.48%	18.31%	-13.55%	17.91%	-7.86%	1.52%

Correlation

The correlation between XSLV and XSHD is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2016	0.88

The correlation between XSLV and XSHD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSLV vs. XSHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSLV	XSHD
Financial Services	43.2%	0.1%
Real Estate	28.5%	45.6%
Utilities	9.1%	10.8%
Industrials	7.2%	10.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	8.9%
Basic Materials	2.7%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	2.3%	7.0%
Healthcare	1.5%	2.5%
Communication Services	1.1%	2.0%
Technology	0.9%	-
Energy	0.8%	7.1%

Return for Risk

XSLV vs. XSHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSLV

XSLV Risk / Return Rank: 48
XSLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
XSLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
XSLV Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XSLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XSLV Martin Ratio Rank: 49

XSHD

XSHD Risk / Return Rank: 22
XSHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XSHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XSHD Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XSHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
XSHD Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

XSLV vs. XSHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) and Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD). 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.

	XSLV	XSHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	0.61	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	1.00	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.11	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	0.87	+1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.51	2.35	+4.15

XSLV vs. XSHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is higher than the XSHD Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSLV and XSHD, 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

XSLV vs. XSHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSLV drawdown since its inception was -44.34%, smaller than the maximum XSHD drawdown of -49.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSLV and XSHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSLV	XSHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.34%	-49.53%	+5.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.46%	-10.51%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.35%	-20.77%	+2.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-34.67%	+9.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-20.91%	+20.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.24%	-16.42%	+9.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.56%	3.86%	-1.30%

Volatility

XSLV vs. XSHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is 3.96%, while Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that XSLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XSHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSLV	XSHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	4.48%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.42%	10.07%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.28%	14.87%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.70%	18.82%	-2.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.91%	22.17%	-2.26%

XSLV vs. XSHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XSLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than XSHD's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

XSLV vs. XSHD - Dividend Comparison

XSLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%, less than XSHD's 5.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XSHD Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	5.02%	6.45%	7.25%	7.62%	6.77%	3.86%	5.55%	4.88%	5.49%	4.11%	0.41%	0.00%
XSLV Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF	2.10%	2.14%	2.55%	2.35%	2.78%	1.05%	2.49%	2.43%	2.75%	1.87%	1.96%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSLV and XSHD in my portfolio?

XSLV and XSHD have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSLV or XSHD?

XSHD has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to XSLV (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSLV dropped -44.34% vs XSHD's -49.53%.

Which ETF is better, XSLV or XSHD?

On 5-year performance, XSLV leads with 4.94% vs -3.14% for XSHD. On fees, XSLV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, XSLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSLV or XSHD?

Over the 5-year period, XSLV has performed better with a 4.94% return vs -3.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSLV or XSHD?

XSLV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for XSHD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XSLV or XSHD?

XSHD has the higher dividend yield at 5.02%, compared with 2.10% for XSLV.

What is the main difference between XSLV and XSHD?

XSLV tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility Index, while XSHD tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for XSLV and 0.30% for XSHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XSLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 0.61), 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.