RSP vs VUG
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. RSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSP offers more diversification with 433 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $97.4B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +15.57% | +9.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +15.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +24.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Jan 26, 2004 |
RSP vs VUG Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% while VUG returned +15.67%. Year to date, RSP is up 15.57% versus a gain of 9.91% for VUG.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +15.26% per year against +24.16% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.04% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.27% annualized vs +10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.51% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and VUG share 109 holdings out of 470 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or VUG?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or VUG?
Over the past year RSP returned +21.55% vs +15.67% for VUG, so RSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), RSP annualized +10.12% vs +11.27% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 16.5% for RSP. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both RSP and VUG?
RSP and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VUG?
RSP and VUG share 109 common holdings with a 17.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 470 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VUG?
RSP yields 1.51% while VUG yields 0.47%, so RSP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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