RSP vs VNQ
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
VNQ has a lower expense ratio. RSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSP offers more diversification with 511 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | VNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $100.1B | $39.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 144 | |
| YTD Return | +16.45% | +13.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +15.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +10.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.21% | +2.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -75.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Sep 23, 2004 |
RSP vs VNQ Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% while VNQ returned +15.14%. Year to date, RSP is up 16.45% versus a gain of 13.84% for VNQ.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +16.05% per year against +10.79% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.21% and +2.35% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +4.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -75.8% for VNQ. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $13 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.49% against 3.49% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and VNQ share 23 holdings out of 554 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or VNQ?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VNQ charges 0.13%. VNQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or VNQ?
Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% vs +15.14% for VNQ, so RSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), RSP annualized +10.15% vs +4.15% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 16.5% for RSP. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both RSP and VNQ?
RSP and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VNQ?
RSP and VNQ share 23 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VNQ?
RSP yields 1.49% while VNQ yields 3.49%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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