GGTL vs. FXL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

GGTL (Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF) and FXL (First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund) are both Technology Equities funds. GGTL is actively managed, while FXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GGTL returned 17.94%/yr vs 18.18%/yr for FXL. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GGTL charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for FXL.

Performance

GGTL vs. FXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF (GGTL) and First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL). 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 GGTL having a 17.96% return and FXL slightly lower at 17.39%.

GGTL

• 1D: -2.85%
• 1M: -4.97%
• 6M: 14.88%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FXL

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: -6.59%
• 6M: 12.97%
• YTD: 17.39%
• 1Y: 26.02%
• 3Y*: 18.18%
• 5Y*: 10.68%
• 10Y*: 19.44%

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

GGTL vs. FXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GGTL Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF	17.96%	19.78%	11.07%	18.17%	-16.10%
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	17.39%	13.29%	16.13%	40.50%	-29.35%

Correlation

The correlation between GGTL and FXL 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2022	0.82

The correlation between GGTL and FXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

GGTL vs. FXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GGTL	FXL
Technology	52.9%	89.9%
Communication Services	1.5%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	0.8%
Industrials	0.1%	3.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GGTL vs. FXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GGTL

GGTL Risk / Return Rank: 55
GGTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
GGTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
GGTL Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GGTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
GGTL Martin Ratio Rank: 64

FXL

FXL Risk / Return Rank: 38
FXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FXL Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FXL Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

GGTL vs. FXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF (GGTL) and First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL). 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.

	GGTL	FXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.04	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	1.49	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.18	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	1.93	+1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	5.57	+3.38

GGTL vs. FXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GGTL Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the FXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GGTL and FXL, 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

GGTL vs. FXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GGTL drawdown since its inception was -23.65%, smaller than the maximum FXL drawdown of -61.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GGTL and FXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GGTL	FXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.65%	-61.41%	+37.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.20%	-13.56%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.46%	-28.27%	+6.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.49%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.17%	-11.83%	+2.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-11.34%	+3.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	4.69%	-1.65%

Volatility

GGTL vs. FXL - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF (GGTL) has a higher volatility of 9.91% compared to First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) at 9.04%. This indicates that GGTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GGTL	FXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.91%	9.04%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.45%	20.78%	-2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.63%	25.19%	-4.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.42%	25.68%	-7.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.42%	25.47%	-7.05%

GGTL vs. FXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GGTL has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than FXL's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

GGTL vs. FXL - Dividend Comparison

GGTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, while FXL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	0.00%	0.01%	0.11%	0.41%	0.34%	0.11%	0.04%	0.37%	0.32%	0.27%	1.12%	0.36%
GGTL Gabelli Global Technology Leaders ETF	0.88%	1.04%	0.75%	0.84%	0.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GGTL and FXL in my portfolio?

GGTL and FXL 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 is riskier, GGTL or FXL?

GGTL has higher volatility (9.91%) compared to FXL (9.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GGTL dropped -23.65% vs FXL's -61.41%.

Which ETF is better, GGTL or FXL?

On 3-year performance, FXL leads with 18.18% vs 17.94% for GGTL. On fees, FXL is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, FXL has been the lower-risk option at 9.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GGTL or FXL?

Over the 3-year period, FXL has performed better with a 18.18% return vs 17.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GGTL or FXL?

FXL is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for GGTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GGTL or FXL?

GGTL has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.00% for FXL.

What is the main difference between GGTL and FXL?

They also come from different issuers: Gabelli and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for GGTL and 0.61% for FXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GGTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 1.04), 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.