sphd stock: Invesco SPHD ETF Guide
Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)
sphd stock refers to the Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (ticker SPHD), an equity ETF listed on NYSE Arca that targets income-oriented, lower-volatility exposure drawn from the S&P 500. This guide explains the fund’s structure, index methodology, portfolio composition, distributions, fees, risks, trading characteristics, tax treatment, and how investors typically use the fund. Readers will gain practical, verifiable facts and sources to evaluate whether the fund aligns with their income or defensive-equity allocation needs.
Fund overview
SPHD is an exchange-traded fund issued by Invesco that seeks to track the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. As an ETF, its shares trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker SPHD and settle in U.S. dollars. The fund is organized as an open-end investment company (ETF wrapper) and uses a passive, index-tracking approach.
As of 2026-01-27, per Invesco fund documentation and the fund fact sheet, the fund’s assets under management (AUM) were approximately $3.5 billion, and its stated expense ratio was 0.30%. The ETF typically distributes income monthly and is positioned for investors seeking a higher-yielding slice of U.S. equities with lower realized volatility than the broad S&P 500.
Investment objective and strategy
The stated objective of the fund is to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. The index aims to combine two desirable traits for income-oriented investors: relatively higher dividend yield and lower historical volatility compared with the parent S&P 500 universe.
To achieve this goal, the index applies a two-step filter: first it screens S&P 500 constituents for dividend yield and then applies a volatility-based selection to favor names with lower recent price volatility. The ETF seeks to replicate the index by holding the selected constituents in approximately the same weights as the index methodology prescribes.
Index methodology (selection and weighting)
The S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index methodology combines dividend yield screening and volatility ranking. Typical elements include:
- Starting universe: S&P 500 constituents.
- Dividend screening: select the highest dividend-yielding names from the S&P 500 (the methodology historically selects 75 highest-yielding names for further filtering, then narrows to a target number, often 50, for final inclusion).
- Volatility filter: from that yield-screened subset, rank securities by historical price volatility (commonly measured over a one-year lookback) and select the lowest-volatility names to form the final index membership.
- Weighting: the index typically uses dividend-yield-weighting or an adjusted weighting mechanism that increases weight to higher-yielding, lower-volatility constituents while capping overly large weights to control concentration.
- Reconstitution and rebalancing: the index is reconstituted and rebalanced on a periodic schedule (commonly quarterly), with rules to refresh constituent lists and rebalance weights to reflect current yields and volatility measurements.
Exact selection counts, weighting formulas, and reconstitution dates are detailed in the S&P index methodology document licensed by the fund provider. Investors should consult the index methodology for precise rules; this guide summarizes the general approach used by the index tracked by SPHD.
Portfolio composition
SPHD typically holds about 50 securities. The fund’s portfolio tilts toward sectors and companies that historically pay higher dividends and show lower realized volatility. Because of the dividend focus, the fund can be heavier in sectors such as Real Estate, Utilities, Consumer Staples (Consumer Defensive), Financials and Energy, depending on market conditions and dividend distributions across the S&P 500.
As of 2026-01-27, per public fund disclosures and third-party data aggregators, the fund held approximately 50 positions. Top holdings and weights change with quarterly rebalancing, but historically the top 10 holdings can represent roughly 20–30% of the fund. Representative examples of types of holdings (not an exhaustive or current list) include real-estate companies, regulated utilities, large dividend-paying consumer names, and dividend-focused banks or insurance firms.
Sector allocation
SPHD’s sector allocation is driven by the intersection of dividend yield and low volatility within the S&P 500. Historically, the ETF has shown larger allocations to:
- Real Estate (including REITs): often overweight relative to the S&P 500 because many REITs have above-average yields.
- Utilities: typically overweight due to stable cash flows and above-average yields.
- Consumer Defensive (Staples): often overweight given dividend payout tendencies.
- Financials and Energy: exposure varies with yield cycles; these sectors can appear when dividend yields are attractive and volatility is moderate.
These sector tilts influence the fund’s behavior: higher sensitivity to interest rates through REITs and utilities, and a bias toward slower-growth, income-oriented companies. The allocation can increase income but may reduce upside participation during strong growth rallies led by technology and other high-growth sectors.
Performance and historical returns
Performance of SPHD should be evaluated on multiple horizons (1-year, 3-year, 5-year, since-inception) and against appropriate peers and benchmarks. Important comparative references include the S&P 500 (total return) and other dividend-focused ETFs such as SPYD, SCHD, or VYM. Because SPHD emphasizes high dividend yields and lower volatility, the fund commonly delivers higher income but lower capital appreciation than the broader S&P 500 during bull markets.
As of 2026-01-27, per Yahoo Finance and Morningstar historical tables, SPHD showed the following illustrative performance characteristics (investors must verify current figures directly from providers):
- Short-term (1-year): returns may lag or lead the S&P 500 depending on market regime; dividend cushion can aid downside performance in volatile markets.
- Medium-term (3–5 years): total return reflects a blend of dividend income and capital returns; during periods where dividend-paying sectors underperform growth sectors, SPHD can trail the S&P 500.
- Since-inception: cumulative returns depend on the time window and can be meaningfully different from the S&P 500 due to sector tilts and income focus.
Investors should also monitor NAV (net asset value) versus market price performance, since ETFs can trade at slight premiums or discounts to NAV intraday. SPHD’s NAV and market price typically track closely due to creation/redemption mechanisms used by authorized participants.
Dividends and distributions
A key feature of sphd stock is its monthly distribution schedule. SPHD is known for paying monthly cash distributions, making it attractive to income-focused investors who prefer regular cash flow. The fund aggregates dividends from its holdings and pays out to shareholders after accounting for fees and expenses.
Yield measures to review include:
- Trailing 12-month distribution yield — commonly reported by fund providers and aggregators.
- SEC yield or 30-day yield — a standardized yield measure calculated by the fund to approximate recent income generation, net of fees.
- Distribution history — month-by-month payout amounts, useful to understand consistency and payout trends.
As of 2026-01-27, per Seeking Alpha dividend history and fund fact sheets, SPHD’s trailing distribution yield was in a range often between 4% and 6% depending on market conditions and dividend payouts from holdings. Investors should verify the current yield on the fund’s official fact sheet and remember that yield fluctuates with market prices and underlying company dividends.
Fees and expenses
Expense ratio is a core cost to consider. As of 2026-01-27, per Invesco materials, SPHD’s expense ratio was 0.30%. This is the annual fee charged by the fund to cover management, administration, and operational costs, expressed as a percentage of assets under management.
Other costs to consider include bid-ask spreads when trading the ETF, broker commissions (if applicable under the investor’s brokerage plan), and potential tax costs on distributions. While the expense ratio is straightforward and ongoing, trading costs vary by broker and intraday liquidity.
Risk profile
Principal risks for sphd stock include:
- Equity market risk: the fund holds common stocks and is exposed to general market downturns.
- Sector concentration risk: overweighting in yield-rich sectors (Real Estate, Utilities, Consumer Defensive) can lead to concentration risk and sensitivity to sector-specific shocks.
- Interest-rate sensitivity: REITs and utilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, which can affect valuation and dividend sustainability.
- Yield-chasing risk: focusing on high dividend yields can increase exposure to firms with weaker growth prospects or dividend sustainability concerns.
- Underperformance in growth-led markets: during periods when growth stocks and lower-yielding sectors lead markets, dividend-focused, low-volatility funds can lag materially.
- Tracking error: as a passively managed ETF, SPHD may exhibit tracking error relative to its target index due to fees, transaction costs, and sampling methods.
Risk metrics commonly used to quantify these exposures include beta relative to the S&P 500, standard deviation (historical volatility), maximum drawdown, and sector-based concentration measures. Third-party providers such as Morningstar and Zacks report these metrics for investors.
Trading and liquidity
SPHD trades on NYSE Arca under the ticker SPHD. Liquidity is a function of both the fund’s average daily share volume and the underlying securities’ liquidity. As of 2026-01-27, per Yahoo Finance and StockAnalysis data, SPHD showed average daily trading volume routinely in the hundreds of thousands to over one million shares on many trading days, supporting generally tight intraday bid-ask spreads for retail-sized orders.
Key trading considerations:
- Market price vs. NAV: ETF creation and redemption mechanisms generally keep market price close to NAV, but short-term premiums or discounts can appear in stressed markets.
- Bid-ask spread: investors placing market orders should be mindful of spread costs; using limit orders is common to control execution price.
- Authorized participants and liquidity providers: these intermediaries help maintain tight spreads and enable efficient creation/redemption.
Tax considerations
Tax treatment of distributions from sphd stock follows standard U.S. tax rules for equity ETFs. Dividends received by the fund from underlying companies flow through to shareholders and are reported on Form 1099-DIV in the U.S. Investors should note:
- Qualified vs. nonqualified dividends: some portion of the fund’s distributions may qualify for the lower long-term capital gains tax rate if underlying dividends meet holding-period and source requirements; other portions may be ordinary (nonqualified) dividends.
- Return of capital: occasional distributions may include return-of-capital components, which reduce cost basis rather than being immediately taxable as income (subject to IRS rules).
- Tax-efficient ETF structure: the creation/redemption mechanism of ETFs typically offers tax advantages by minimizing capital gains distributions compared to many mutual funds, but distributions of dividends are still taxable events.
Because tax consequences depend on individual circumstances and jurisdiction, investors should consult a tax advisor or the fund’s annual tax reporting for specifics.
Management and governance
Invesco is the fund issuer and manager, handling portfolio administration, shareholder services, and regulatory filings. The index is licensed from S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI), which maintains the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index methodology and publishes methodology documents that outline exact selection, weighting, and reconstitution rules. Governance includes oversight by the fund’s board of trustees and periodic disclosures through prospectus updates.
History and notable events
SPHD was launched to provide investors with a monthly-income, lower-volatility alternative to the S&P 500. Over its history, the fund has experienced several notable episodes that illustrate its defensive income role:
- Periods of equity market stress: the income and defensive sector tilts have historically helped reduce drawdowns relative to the S&P 500 in some volatile episodes.
- Low-rate environments: when interest rates are low, REITs and utilities can expand dividend yields, increasing SPHD’s income profile but also raising sensitivity to subsequent rate moves.
- Quarterly rebalancings: each reconstitution can materially change weights and holdings, affecting performance around rebalance dates.
Investors should monitor prospectus amendments and fund press releases for official changes to distribution policy, expense ratio adjustments, or structural updates.
Comparison with similar ETFs
SPHD occupies a specific niche among dividend and income ETFs. Comparable products include other high-dividend or low-volatility ETFs, but there are notable differences in methodology, holdings, and yield profile. Examples of differences to examine:
- Security selection: some dividend ETFs select for highest yields across the full S&P 500 (leading to broader holdings), while SPHD combines yield with a volatility screen and limits the number of holdings.
- Weighting and concentration: SPHD’s weighting approach tends to concentrate weight in the highest-yielding, lower-volatility names; other funds use equal weighting, market-cap weighting, or factor weights that change concentration and risk.
- Distribution frequency: SPHD pays monthly, while others may pay quarterly or semi-annually.
- Fees and liquidity: expense ratios and trading volumes vary between funds, so investors should compare total cost of ownership and execution ease.
When comparing funds, evaluate yield, expense ratio, number of holdings, sector exposures, historical volatility, and tracking error to a relevant benchmark.
Analyst coverage and reception
Third-party research platforms and analyst houses provide ratings and commentary on SPHD. Common themes in coverage include:
- Positive: reliable monthly income, defensive tilt, and potential downside protection relative to the S&P 500 in turbulent markets.
- Critical: sector concentration and yield-chasing risks that can drag performance during growth-driven rallies; possible higher exposure to rate-sensitive assets.
- Use cases: often recommended as a sleeve for income investors seeking monthly distributions or as a defensive complement within a diversified equity allocation.
Ratings vary by provider (Morningstar, Zacks, Seeking Alpha) and should be read alongside fund facts and personal investment goals. Ratings are not a substitute for due diligence.
How to invest
Investors can purchase sphd stock by placing an order for shares of SPHD on a brokerage that supports NYSE Arca listings. Common steps and considerations:
- Search for ticker: SPHD.
- Order types: use limit orders to control execution price; market orders may execute at the prevailing spread.
- Check liquidity: review average daily volume and recent bid-ask spreads before trading large blocks.
- Review current yield and NAV: confirm the most recent yield, NAV, and share price because income and valuations change over time.
- Account types: SPHD can be held in taxable brokerage accounts, IRAs, and certain retirement accounts, subject to account restrictions.
For investors using Bitget’s platform for research, market data, or wallet services, Bitget offers tools for monitoring ETFs and building diversified portfolios. Always verify execution costs and account terms on your brokerage.
References and data sources
Key sources for facts and figures in this guide include:
- Invesco SPHD fund page and prospectus (issuer disclosures).
- S&P Dow Jones Indices methodology documentation for the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index.
- Yahoo Finance SPHD quote and historical data tables.
- Morningstar portfolio and analyst research reports.
- StockAnalysis ETF profile and metrics.
- Seeking Alpha dividend history for payout records.
- Robinhood ETF summary pages and additional market-data aggregators.
- Zacks fund profile and commentary.
As of 2026-01-27, per Invesco fund materials, SPHD’s AUM was approximately $3.5 billion and the expense ratio was 0.30%. As of the same date, third-party aggregators reported average daily trading volume commonly in the hundreds of thousands to over one million shares. These figures are time-sensitive; consult fund documents and data providers for the latest values.
External links and documents
Please consult the official Invesco fund documents (prospectus and fact sheet), the S&P index methodology publication, and current market-data aggregators for the latest NAV, yield, holdings, and sector weights. These official documents provide the authoritative numerical details and methodology statements for SPHD.
Practical checklist before buying sphd stock
- Confirm the current trailing yield and SEC yield as of the latest reporting date.
- Review the most recent holdings and top-10 weights to check for sector concentration.
- Check expense ratio and compare to alternatives for total cost of ownership.
- Assess liquidity: average daily volume and bid-ask spread.
- Understand tax implications based on your jurisdiction and account type.
- Decide how SPHD fits within your broader asset allocation and income needs; avoid overconcentration in dividend-heavy assets.
Additional notes on data and timeliness
All quantitative metrics in this guide are dated and should be verified. For example, the statements above that reference AUM, expense ratio, average daily volume, holdings count and distribution yield are cited with the reporting date of 2026-01-27 to ensure readers know the time context. Financial data changes continuously; consult the original issuer and data providers cited in the references for the most current numbers.
Further reading and tools
To research sphd stock further, readers can compare the fund’s prospectus, historical distribution tables, index methodology document, and third-party analytics such as sector exposure tables, rolling returns, and risk statistics. Use limit orders and position-sizing rules to manage trade execution and portfolio risk. For users of Bitget services, Bitget’s market tools and Bitget Wallet can help track holdings and set alerts.
Reporting note
As of 2026-01-27, per Invesco fund documentation and third-party aggregators (Yahoo Finance, Morningstar, StockAnalysis), the facts and illustrative metrics cited in this guide reflect publicly reported figures. Readers should consult the original sources listed in the references section for verification.
Final guidance and next steps
sphd stock is a well-defined ETF strategy for investors prioritizing monthly income and lower realized volatility relative to the broad S&P 500. It can serve as a defensive equity sleeve or a core income-oriented holding, but it carries sector and interest-rate sensitivities that merit review. Before allocating to SPHD, confirm the latest yield, holdings, fee structure, and how the fund complements your broader plan. Use limit orders and check liquidity when placing trades.
To explore market data, compare ETF options, or manage ETF positions, consider using Bitget’s research and wallet features to aggregate holdings and monitor distributions. For tax questions or personalized portfolio decisions, consult a qualified tax or financial advisor. This guide provides factual information and comparison points but does not constitute investment advice.
Suggested next action: review the SPHD prospectus and the S&P index methodology, then check up-to-date fund metrics on the issuer’s fact sheet to confirm the fund’s fit for your goals. To stay informed on distributions and rebalancing impacts, set alerts on your trading platform.
References (selected sources)
- Invesco SPHD fund page and prospectus — issuer disclosures (reported figures referenced as of 2026-01-27).
- S&P Dow Jones Indices methodology for the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index.
- Yahoo Finance SPHD quote and historical data (market price, NAV, volume).
- Morningstar portfolio and fund research (holdings and analyst commentary).
- StockAnalysis ETF profile and historical metrics.
- Seeking Alpha dividend history (monthly payout records).
- Robinhood ETF summary and holdings snapshots.
- Zacks fund profile and commentary.
Reported dates: As of 2026-01-27, per Invesco fund page and public market-data aggregators noted above.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or tax advice and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Investors should perform their own due diligence and seek professional advice tailored to their personal circumstances.






















