FXN vs. GXPE

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

FXN (First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund) and GXPE (Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - FXN tracks the StrataQuant Energy Index while GXPE tracks the MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FXN returned 45.83% vs 40.31% for GXPE. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FXN charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for GXPE.

Performance

FXN vs. GXPE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FXN having a 34.12% return and GXPE slightly lower at 32.81%.

FXN

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 8.88%
• 6M: 23.33%
• YTD: 34.12%
• 1Y: 45.83%
• 3Y*: 10.71%
• 5Y*: 19.56%
• 10Y*: 6.54%
• ALL TIME*: 2.12%

GXPE

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 10.87%
• 6M: 18.43%
• YTD: 32.81%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.64%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	$7.82M	$9.25M	$37.23M
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	$29.80K	$20.93K	$24.13K

FXN vs. GXPE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	34.12%	7.75%
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	32.81%	4.62%

Correlation

The correlation between FXN and GXPE is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.91

The correlation between FXN and GXPE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FXN vs. GXPE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FXN

FXN Risk / Return Rank: 76
FXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FXN Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FXN Martin Ratio Rank: 67

GXPE

GXPE Risk / Return Rank: 68
GXPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
GXPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GXPE Omega Ratio Rank: 69
GXPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GXPE Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FXN vs. GXPE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE). 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.

	FXN	GXPE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.95	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.55	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	2.58	+0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.58	6.83	+1.75

FXN vs. GXPE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the GXPE Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXN and GXPE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FXN vs. GXPE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXN drawdown since its inception was -87.39%, which is greater than GXPE's maximum drawdown of -15.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXN and GXPE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXN	GXPE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.39%	-15.73%	-71.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.41%	-15.73%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.06%	-5.72%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.73%	-4.28%	-33.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.36%	5.92%	-0.56%

Volatility

FXN vs. GXPE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE) have volatilities of 6.21% and 6.12%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXN	GXPE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.21%	6.12%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.24%	16.79%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.15%	20.77%	+2.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.71%	20.65%	+8.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.80%	20.65%	+14.15%

FXN vs. GXPE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXN has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than GXPE's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXN vs. GXPE - Dividend Comparison

FXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, less than GXPE's 2.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	1.63%	2.53%	2.50%	3.09%	2.28%	0.87%	4.71%	1.47%	1.43%	1.17%	1.05%	2.36%
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	2.10%	1.20%	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 FXN and GXPE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FXN and GXPE 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 is riskier, FXN or GXPE?

FXN has higher volatility (6.21%) compared to GXPE (6.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXN dropped -87.39% vs GXPE's -15.73%.

Which ETF is better, FXN or GXPE?

On 1-year performance, FXN leads with 45.83% vs 40.31% for GXPE. On fees, GXPE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXN or GXPE?

Over the 1-year period, FXN has performed better with a 45.83% return vs 40.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXN or GXPE?

GXPE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for FXN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXN or GXPE?

GXPE has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 1.63% for FXN.

What is the main difference between FXN and GXPE?

FXN tracks StrataQuant Energy Index, while GXPE tracks MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for FXN and 0.15% for GXPE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.95), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.