GOLS vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GOLS (Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Communications Equities funds. GOLS is actively managed, while XLC is passively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GOLS charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

GOLS vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF (GOLS) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GOLS

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLC

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: -4.84%
• YTD: -4.84%
• 6M: -4.05%
• 1Y: 10.40%
• 3Y*: 21.98%
• 5Y*: 8.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

GOLS vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GOLS Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF	3.97%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.17%

Correlation

The correlation between GOLS and XLC is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.68

Return for Risk

GOLS vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 23
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

GOLS vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF (GOLS) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GOLS	XLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.53	+0.19

Drawdowns

GOLS vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GOLS drawdown since its inception was -7.85%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GOLS and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GOLS	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-46.65%	+38.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.57%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.29%	-6.71%	+4.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-10.59%	+8.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.19%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GOLS	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.69%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.56%	13.34%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.56%	20.67%	-7.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.56%	22.20%	-8.64%

GOLS vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

GOLS has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

GOLS vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

GOLS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GOLS Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GOLS and XLC in my portfolio?

GOLS and XLC have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GOLS or XLC?

On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GOLS or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for GOLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GOLS or XLC?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.00% for GOLS.

What is the main difference between GOLS and XLC?

They also come from different issuers: Gabelli and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for GOLS and 0.13% for XLC.