GCAD vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GCAD (Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GCAD is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by Gabelli, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. GCAD is actively managed, while XLG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GCAD returned 34.53%/yr vs 22.12%/yr for XLG. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GCAD charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

GCAD vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GCAD achieves a 18.85% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 3.55% return.

GCAD

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 5.27%
• YTD: 18.85%
• 6M: 16.83%
• 1Y: 39.72%
• 3Y*: 34.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLG

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -3.59%
• YTD: 3.55%
• 6M: 3.44%
• 1Y: 23.61%
• 3Y*: 22.12%
• 5Y*: 14.84%
• 10Y*: 17.16%

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

GCAD vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	18.85%	39.28%	26.61%	17.37%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	3.55%	19.51%	33.49%	38.99%

Correlation

The correlation between GCAD and XLG is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2023	0.50

GCAD vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GCAD	XLG
Industrials	77.7%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	11.2%
Technology	2.9%	46.8%
Basic Materials	0.7%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.6%	-
Communication Services	-	16.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.2%
Energy	-	2.4%
Financial Services	-	9.0%
Healthcare	-	7.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GCAD vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GCAD

GCAD Risk / Return Rank: 59
GCAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
GCAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GCAD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
GCAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
GCAD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 47
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

GCAD vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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.

	GCAD	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.71	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	2.33	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	1.91	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.12	6.89	+2.23

GCAD vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GCAD Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GCAD and XLG, 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

GCAD vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GCAD drawdown since its inception was -16.14%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GCAD and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GCAD	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.14%	-52.39%	+36.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.96%	-12.41%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.14%	-20.70%	+4.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.02%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-5.13%	+3.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-7.63%	+4.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.37%	3.44%	+0.93%

Volatility

GCAD vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD) has a higher volatility of 8.43% compared to Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) at 4.74%. This indicates that GCAD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GCAD	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.43%	4.74%	+3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.60%	10.60%	+7.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.38%	13.86%	+6.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.76%	18.77%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.76%	18.89%	-0.13%

GCAD vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GCAD has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GCAD vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

GCAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than XLG's 0.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	1.73%	2.06%	4.94%	3.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.82%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GCAD and XLG in my portfolio?

GCAD and XLG have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GCAD or XLG?

GCAD has higher volatility (8.43%) compared to XLG (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GCAD dropped -16.14% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, GCAD or XLG?

On 3-year performance, GCAD leads with 34.53% vs 22.12% for XLG. On fees, GCAD is cheaper at 0.00% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GCAD or XLG?

Over the 3-year period, GCAD has performed better with a 34.53% return vs 22.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GCAD or XLG?

GCAD is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for XLG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GCAD or XLG?

GCAD has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.82% for XLG.

What is the main difference between GCAD and XLG?

GCAD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while XLG is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Gabelli and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.00% for GCAD and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.71), 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.