RSP vs XLV
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLV has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSP offers more diversification with 511 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSP | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $100.1B | $43.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +15.15% | +11.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.06% | +27.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.13% | +10.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +6.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | Dec 16, 1998 |
RSP vs XLV Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year RSP returned +20.06% while XLV returned +27.56%. Year to date, RSP is up 15.15% versus a gain of 11.80% for XLV.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +16.13% per year against +10.70% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.24% and +6.55% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.09% annualized vs +7.57%. 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 14.2% for XLV. 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 -40.6% for XLV. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while XLV 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 1.49% against 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and XLV share 47 holdings out of 446 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or XLV?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while XLV charges 0.08%. XLV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or XLV?
Over the past year RSP returned +20.06% vs +27.56% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), RSP annualized +10.09% vs +7.57% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or XLV?
RSP has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both RSP and XLV?
RSP and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and XLV?
RSP and XLV share 47 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 446 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or XLV?
RSP yields 1.49% while XLV yields 1.56%, so XLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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