FSTA Offers Lower Fees While RSPS Pays Higher Dividends

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS) differ significantly in cost and portfolio concentration, with RSPS employing an equal-weight strategy and FSTA focusing on larger sector leaders [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - FSTA has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to RSPS's 0.40%, making it more cost-effective for investors [3][4] - As of February 13, 2026, FSTA has a one-year return of 10.7% while RSPS has a return of 14.9% [3] - FSTA's assets under management (AUM) stand at $1.4 billion, significantly higher than RSPS's $264 million [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, FSTA has a max drawdown of 16.6%, which is less severe than RSPS's 18.6% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in FSTA would grow to $1,584 over five years, compared to $1,245 for RSPS [5] Portfolio Composition - FSTA tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index and holds 97 stocks, with a heavy concentration in large companies like Walmart, Costco, and Procter & Gamble, which together account for over one-third of its assets [6] - RSPS equally weights 38 stocks, reducing concentration risk, with top holdings including Bunge Global SA, Colgate-Palmolive, and Church & Dwight, each around 3% of the portfolio [7] Investment Implications - Both ETFs provide defensive exposure to consumer staples, which are essential goods that consumers purchase regularly, making them attractive during market volatility [8] - FSTA's lower fees can lead to significant savings for investors over the long term, especially when compounded over a decade [9]