RSP vs XLE
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLE has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSP offers more diversification with 510 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $97.4B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +16.43% | +35.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.73% | +47.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.53% | +14.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.20% | +24.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Dec 16, 1998 |
RSP vs XLE Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year RSP returned +20.73% while XLE returned +47.04%. Year to date, RSP is up 16.43% versus a gain of 35.60% for XLE.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +15.53% per year against +14.53% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.20% and +24.28% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% 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 -76.7% for XLE. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $8 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.51% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and XLE share 20 holdings out of 435 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or XLE?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while XLE charges 0.08%. XLE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or XLE?
Over the past year RSP returned +20.73% vs +47.04% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), RSP annualized +10.15% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 16.5% for RSP. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both RSP and XLE?
RSP and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and XLE?
RSP and XLE share 20 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 435 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or XLE?
RSP yields 1.51% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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