ACES vs PHDG
ACES vs PHDG
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF
Quick Verdict
PHDG has a lower expense ratio. ACES delivered stronger 1-year returns. PHDG offers more diversification with 494 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | PHDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $109M | $61M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.68% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 514 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +13.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +18.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +9.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | +4.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 9.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -23.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Dec 5, 2012 |
ACES vs PHDG Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF (PHDG) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while PHDG returned +18.49%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 13.02% for PHDG.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +9.60% for PHDG; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +4.75% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PHDG has the edge at +4.45% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 9.9% for PHDG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for ACES and -23.6% for PHDG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while PHDG charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $39 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 1.68% for PHDG.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and PHDG share 3 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or PHDG?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while PHDG charges 0.39%. PHDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or PHDG?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +18.49% for PHDG, so ACES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +4.45% for PHDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or PHDG?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 9.9% for PHDG. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs PHDG -23.6%.
Should I hold both ACES and PHDG?
ACES and PHDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and PHDG?
ACES and PHDG share 3 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or PHDG?
ACES yields 1.22% while PHDG yields 1.68%, so PHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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