FEX vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FEX (First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - FEX tracks the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Core Index while GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FEX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

FEX vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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, FEX achieves a 16.10% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 8.31% return.

FEX

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 14.91%
• 1Y: 28.96%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 11.42%
• 10Y*: 13.56%

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)

FEX vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FEX First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	16.10%	2.27%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FEX and GXLC is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

FEX vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FEX

FEX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FEX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FEX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

GXLC

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

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FEX vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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.

	FEX	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.67	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.75	—	—

Drawdowns

FEX vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEX drawdown since its inception was -58.81%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEX and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEX	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.81%	-9.08%	-49.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.51%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-3.05%	+1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-1.54%	-6.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FEX	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.99%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.19%	13.85%	-0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.57%	13.85%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.60%	13.85%	+4.75%

FEX vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEX vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

FEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEX First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.94%	1.10%	1.18%	1.38%	1.61%	0.80%	1.21%	1.32%	1.34%	1.07%	1.29%	1.33%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEX and GXLC in my portfolio?

FEX and GXLC have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FEX 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, FEX or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FEX.

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

FEX has the higher dividend yield at 0.94%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between FEX and GXLC?

FEX tracks Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Core Index, while GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FEX and 0.02% for GXLC.