FTAG vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index while GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTAG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

FTAG vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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, FTAG achieves a 6.79% return, which is significantly lower than GXLC's 8.31% return.

FTAG

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -3.74%
• YTD: 6.79%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 8.43%
• 3Y*: 3.75%
• 5Y*: 0.85%
• 10Y*: 5.38%

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)

FTAG vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	6.79%	0.49%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FTAG and GXLC is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.36

Return for Risk

FTAG vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 19
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

FTAG vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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.

	FTAG	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.04	—	—

Drawdowns

FTAG vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTAG drawdown since its inception was -90.89%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTAG and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTAG	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.89%	-9.08%	-81.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-79.35%	-3.05%	-76.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-71.25%	-1.54%	-69.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTAG	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.93%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.17%	13.85%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	13.85%	+3.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.60%	13.85%	+5.75%

FTAG vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTAG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTAG vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

FTAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.42%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
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 FTAG and GXLC in my portfolio?

FTAG and GXLC have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTAG 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, FTAG or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

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

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between FTAG and GXLC?

FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture 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: 0.70% for FTAG and 0.02% for GXLC.