RSP vs VIG
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. RSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSP offers more diversification with 433 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $97.4B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +15.37% | +12.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +20.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +16.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +10.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Apr 21, 2006 |
RSP vs VIG Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +22.88% while VIG returned +20.77%. Year to date, RSP is up 15.37% versus a gain of 12.26% for VIG.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +15.20% per year against +16.59% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +8.99% and +10.76% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.11% annualized vs +8.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 1.51% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and VIG share 140 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or VIG?
Over the past year RSP returned +22.88% vs +20.77% for VIG, so RSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RSP annualized +10.11% vs +8.69% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or VIG?
RSP has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% 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. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VIG?
RSP and VIG share 140 common holdings with a 22.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VIG?
RSP yields 1.51% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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