Market Performance - The S&P 500 started the shortened trading week with losses but recovered slightly, ending the week down by -0.4% and is currently 0.88% below its all-time high from January 12, 2026 [1] - The index has shown a history of reaching record highs, with a summary table provided for the number of record highs since 2013 [1] Historical Context - On October 9, 2007, the S&P 500 reached an all-time high of 1565.15, followed by a significant drop of approximately 57% to 676.53 by March 9, 2009, marking the Global Financial Crisis [2] - It took over five years for the index to recover and reach a new all-time high on March 28, 2013, closing at 1569.19 [2] Volatility Analysis - The S&P 500 has experienced notable intraday volatility, with the largest recorded intraday price change of 10.77% on April 9, 2023, since December 24, 2018 [4] - The average percent change from intraday low to high over the past 20 days is 0.70% [4] Index Comparison - The S&P 500 is a market cap-weighted index of approximately 500 of the largest U.S. stocks across 11 sectors, while the S&P Equal Weight Index includes the same stocks but gives each an equal weight [5] - Year-to-date performance shows the S&P 500 up by 1.02%, whereas the S&P Equal Weight Index has increased by 3.71% [5] ETFs Associated - Notable ETFs linked to the S&P 500 include iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM), and Invesco S&P 500® Equal Weight ETF (RSP) [6]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) are both U.S. equity ETFs but differ significantly in their investment strategies, with MGK focusing on large growth stocks and RSP employing an equal-weighted approach across the S&P 500 [1][8] Cost and Size Comparison - MGK has a lower expense ratio of 0.07% compared to RSP's 0.20% - As of January 15, 2026, MGK's one-year return is 21.27%, while RSP's is 13.32% - MGK offers a dividend yield of 0.35%, whereas RSP provides a higher yield of 1.64% - MGK has assets under management (AUM) of $32 billion, while RSP has $76 billion [3][4] Performance and Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, MGK experienced a maximum drawdown of -36.02%, compared to RSP's -21.39% - A $1,000 investment in MGK would have grown to $2,034 over five years, while the same investment in RSP would have grown to $1,509 [4][11] Portfolio Composition - RSP tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, providing broad diversification with 504 holdings, and sector allocations of 16% technology, 15% industrials, and 14% financial services [5][6] - MGK allocates 56% of its assets to technology, 16% to communication services, and 12% to consumer cyclicals, with a concentration in a few large-cap stocks like Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft, which together account for over one-third of its assets [7][9] Investment Implications - RSP is positioned as a more stable investment option with greater diversification and lower risk, while MGK, despite its higher volatility, has a history of outperforming RSP in total returns over both 12-month and five-year periods [10][11]

Core Insights - The Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) are two prominent ETFs with distinct investment strategies, focusing on technology concentration versus equal weight across S&P 500 companies [4][5][6]. Group 1: Performance and Returns - Over the past year, QQQ achieved an approximately 24% return, significantly outperforming RSP's roughly 14% gain, primarily due to the strong performance of the tech sector [6]. - QQQ has approximately $412 billion in assets under management (AUM), while RSP has $78 billion, indicating QQQ's popularity as a tech-focused growth vehicle [6]. Group 2: Portfolio Construction - QQQ is heavily concentrated in megacap technology stocks, with over half of its portfolio in this sector, including top positions like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, which together account for more than 23% of its assets [1][6]. - RSP, in contrast, holds around 505 stocks with a more balanced sector exposure, where Technology, Industrials, and Financial Services each represent 14%-16% of assets, ensuring no single stock dominates [2][7]. Group 3: Risk and Volatility - QQQ's concentrated exposure to technology stocks amplifies both gains and losses, leading to higher volatility compared to RSP, which spreads risk more evenly across its holdings [1][7]. - Both funds are characterized by low expense ratios, but RSP offers a notably higher dividend yield, appealing to income-focused investors [3][5]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - QQQ is suitable for investors seeking higher growth potential and who are comfortable with greater volatility and sector concentration [8]. - RSP provides broader diversification and a higher yield, making it more suitable for investors prioritizing income and risk reduction [8].

Core Insights - The article compares two ETFs: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP), highlighting their differing strategies in stock weighting and sector exposure [5][7]. Group 1: ETF Strategies - IVV replicates the S&P 500 using market-cap weighting, leading to a high concentration in technology stocks, which account for 43% of its portfolio [1]. - RSP tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, distributing its investments more evenly across approximately 505 companies, with technology only making up 16% of its assets [2][7]. Group 2: Performance and Returns - IVV has shown stronger recent returns and greater exposure to technology, while RSP offers more diversification across sectors [5][9]. - RSP's top holdings are significantly diversified, with no single company exceeding 0.3% of the portfolio [2]. Group 3: Costs and Yield - IVV has a lower expense ratio of 0.03%, making it more affordable, while RSP has a higher expense ratio of 0.20% but offers a higher dividend yield of 1.6% compared to IVV's 1.2% [8][9]. Group 4: Investor Considerations - Both ETFs provide diversified access to large U.S. companies, but their differing strategies may appeal to different types of investors, with IVV favoring tech-heavy portfolios and RSP appealing to those seeking broader sector exposure [4][6].