AQEC vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

AQEC (AQE Core ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AQEC is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AQEC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

AQEC vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQE Core ETF (AQEC) 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, AQEC achieves a -6.71% return, which is significantly lower than GXLC's 8.02% return.

AQEC

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: -6.71%
• 6M: -7.40%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GXLC

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -2.00%
• YTD: 8.02%
• 6M: 6.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AQEC vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	-6.71%	3.90%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.02%	2.84%

Correlation

The correlation between AQEC and GXLC is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	0.54

Return for Risk

AQEC vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQE Core ETF (AQEC) 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

AQEC vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQEC drawdown since its inception was -12.81%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQEC and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQEC	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.81%	-9.08%	-3.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.04%	-3.31%	-5.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-1.57%	-3.67%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AQEC	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	13.75%	-1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.49%	13.75%	-1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.49%	13.75%	-1.26%

AQEC vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AQEC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

AQEC vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

AQEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	0.96%	0.13%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQEC and GXLC in my portfolio?

AQEC and GXLC have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AQEC 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, AQEC or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for AQEC.

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

AQEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between AQEC and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Arlington Asset Management and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AQEC and 0.02% for GXLC.