RSP vs VIG
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Which is better, RSP or VIG?
Each has led over a different period.
VIG has a lower expense ratio. RSP led over 1Y, VIG over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | VIG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $98.6B | $109.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.56% |
| Holdings | 1,533 | 336 |
| YTD Return | +14.14%Best | +12.34% |
| 1Y Return | +15.04%Best | +13.12% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.15% | +19.37%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.53% | +10.50%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 13.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -48.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,057 | $16,474Best |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Apr 21, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 27, 2006 to Oct 27, 2026 (20.5 years).
RSP vs VIG growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 20.5 years both funds cover.
RSP vs VIG Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +15.04% while VIG returned +13.12%. Year to date, RSP is up 14.14% versus a gain of 12.34% for VIG.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +19.15% per year against +19.37% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +10.50% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.60% annualized vs +8.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.53% against 1.56% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
At least 81.5% of VIG's money is in holdings RSP also owns.
Stated as a floor: for RSP, our book for it covers 93.1% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of VIG is already inside RSP. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
155 positions in common, counted across the 472 positions we hold weights for in RSP and 332 in VIG, against full books of 1,533 and 336.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RSP | Weight in VIG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 0.21% | 4.69% | 4.48% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 0.22% | 4.52% | 4.30% |
| JPMJpmorgan Chase | 0.19% | 4.08% | 3.89% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 0.21% | 3.92% | 3.71% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 0.20% | 2.74% | 2.54% |
| MAMastercard Inc | 0.20% | 2.04% | 1.84% |
| WMTWalmart, Inc. | 0.20% | 1.97% | 1.77% |
| ABBVAbbvie Inc. | 0.21% | 1.94% | 1.73% |
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 0.21% | 1.87% | 1.66% |
| COSTCostco Wholesale Corp. | 0.21% | 1.79% | 1.58% |
81.5% of VIG is already inside RSP.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or VIG?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VIG charges 0.04%. VIG is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, RSP or VIG?
Over the past year RSP returned +15.04% vs +13.12% for VIG, so RSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), RSP annualized +8.54% vs +8.60% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, RSP or VIG?
RSP has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both RSP and VIG?
RSP and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VIG?
At least 81.5% of VIG's money is in holdings RSP also owns. Our book for RSP is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 155 positions in common, counted across the 472 positions we hold weights for in RSP and 332 in VIG.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VIG?
RSP yields 1.53% while VIG yields 1.56%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VIG better than RSP?
VIG has a lower expense ratio. RSP led over 1Y, VIG over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.