RSP vs VGK
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
VGK has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 958 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $97.4B | $30.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 2.94% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +15.57% | +11.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +18.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +9.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Mar 4, 2005 |
RSP vs VGK Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% while VGK returned +21.87%. Year to date, RSP is up 15.57% versus a gain of 11.10% for VGK.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +15.26% per year against +18.13% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are +9.04% and +9.29% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.12% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 16.5% for RSP. 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 -60.9% for RSP and -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.51% against 2.94% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and VGK share 4 holdings out of 1387 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or VGK?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VGK charges 0.06%. VGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or VGK?
Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% vs +21.87% for VGK, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), RSP annualized +10.12% vs +3.69% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 16.5% for RSP. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both RSP and VGK?
RSP and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VGK?
RSP and VGK share 4 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1387 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VGK?
RSP yields 1.51% while VGK yields 2.94%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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