FSTA vs. RSPS: Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy Right Now?

Cost, diversification, and portfolio strategy set these two consumer staples ETFs apart for investors seeking sector exposure.The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA +1.24%) and the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS +1.46%) both target U.S. consumer staples stocks, but they take different approaches.FSTA tracks a market-cap-weighted index, heavily favoring the sector’s largest players, while RSPS equally weights all S&P 500 consumer staples constituents. This comparison unpacks cost, returns, risk, and portfolio makeup to help investors weigh which approach aligns with their goals.Snapshot (cost & size)MetricRSPSFSTAIssuerInvescoFidelityExpense ratio0.40%0.08%1-yr return (as of Feb. 11, 2026)12.60%8.73%Dividend yield2.63%2.18%AUM$250 million$1.4 billionBeta (5Y monthly)0.610.64Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.FSTA is notably more affordable on fees, with a much lower expense ratio. RSPS edges out FSTA on yield, however, which could appeal to those looking for greater dividend income.Performance & risk comparisonMetricRSPSFSTAMax drawdown (5 y)-18.61%-16.57%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,081$1,380What's insideFSTA tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples 25/50 Index and holds 96 stocks, offering broad exposure to the consumer defensive sector. Its top holdings — Costco Wholesale, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble — make up over a third of the fund, reflecting a heavy concentration in household names. FSTA was launched over 12 years ago, supporting its credibility as a core sector ETF.RSPS, by contrast, strictly sticks to S&P 500 consumer staples stocks, allocating equal weight to 36 holdings. This equal-weighting approach reduces single-stock risk but increases exposure to mid-cap names relative to FSTA’s large-cap tilt. Both ETFs are free of leverage, currency hedging, or ESG overlays.For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.What this means for investorsBoth RSPS and FSTA provide exposure to the consumer staples industry, but each has a unique set of advantages and drawbacks.FSTA relies heavily on major industry players, with its top three stocks accounting for more than one-third of its portfolio. Meanwhile, each of RSPS’s holdings comprises around 3% of assets.This approach can set FSTA up for higher long-term returns if its top stocks thrive, but it could also be vulnerable to deeper downturns if those companies falter. RSPS’s equal-weight strategy can help protect it against single-stock risk, while also limiting its earning potential when strong stocks are given the same weight as weaker holdings.Fees are another important factor to consider. Investors can expect to pay $8 per year in fees for every $10,000 invested in FSTA, compared to $40 per year for RSPS. It may not seem like a significant difference on the surface, but it could add up to thousands of dollars in fees for long-term investors with substantial account balances.Read NextFeb 9, 2026 •By Dave KovaleskiWhich is the Better Consumer Staples ETF?Feb 8, 2026 •By Katie BrockmanConsumer Staples Showdown: Is FSTA or RSPS the Better Buy Right Now?Feb 2, 2026 •By Josh Kohn-LindquistInvesco (PBJ) vs. Fidelity (FSTA): Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy?Feb 1, 2026 •By Katie BrockmanFSTA vs. FTXG: How These Popular Consumer Staples ETFs Stack Up for InvestorsJan 26, 2026 •By Adé HennisFSTA vs. IYK: The Clash of Two Consumer Staple ETFsDec 27, 2025 •By Robert IzquierdoBetter Consumer Staples ETF: State Street's XLP vs. Fidelity's FSTAAbout the AuthorKatie Brockman is a contributing writer at The Motley Fool covering retirement, Social Security, and investing fundamentals. Prior to The Motley Fool, Katie held various writing and editing roles at companies ranging from small start-ups to multimillion-dollar brands. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Inc magazine, and other authoritative media outlets. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Illinois Wesleyan University.TMFKatieBrockmanStocks MentionedFidelity Covington Trust - Fidelity Msci Consumer Staples Index ETFNYSEMKT: FSTA$55.65 (+1.24%) $+0.68Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust - Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETFNYSEMKT: RSPS$32.95 (+1.46%) $+0.47*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.