AAEQ vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AAEQ is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAEQ achieves a 5.97% return, which is significantly lower than GXLC's 8.31% return.

AAEQ

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 5.97%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GXLC

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 6M: 7.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	5.97%	-1.11%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and GXLC is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-9.08%	-1.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.43%	-3.05%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.43%	-1.54%	-0.89%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.32%	13.85%	+0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	13.85%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.32%	13.85%	+0.47%

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, AAEQ and GXLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, AAEQ or GXLC?

On fees, GXLC is cheaper at 0.02% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAEQ or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AAEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAEQ or GXLC?

GXLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.09% for AAEQ.

What is the main difference between AAEQ and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 0.02% for GXLC.