GSEW vs. GSLC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GSEW (Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and GSLC (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Goldman Sachs - GSEW tracks the Solactive US Large Cap Equal Weight Index while GSLC tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSEW returned 8.84%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for GSLC. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

GSEW vs. GSLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSEW achieves a 10.61% return, which is significantly higher than GSLC's 9.00% return.

GSEW

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 10.61%
• 6M: 10.52%
• 1Y: 19.76%
• 3Y*: 17.95%
• 5Y*: 8.84%
• 10Y*: —

GSLC

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 4.21%
• YTD: 9.00%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 23.91%
• 3Y*: 21.11%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 14.67%

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

GSEW vs. GSLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	10.61%	11.97%	16.89%	17.80%	-17.54%	25.43%	16.28%	31.04%	-8.11%	7.67%
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	9.00%	16.17%	24.21%	25.09%	-18.71%	27.17%	19.02%	30.74%	-4.07%	8.34%

Correlation

The correlation between GSEW and GSLC is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2017	0.92

The correlation between GSEW and GSLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSEW vs. GSLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSEW	GSLC
Technology	20.9%	38.0%
Industrials	15.6%	8.2%
Financial Services	14.3%	10.6%
Healthcare	11.3%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	10.6%
Utilities	5.8%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	5.5%
Energy	4.9%	3.2%
Basic Materials	4.6%	1.5%
Real Estate	4.0%	1.1%
Communication Services	3.5%	10.5%

Return for Risk

GSEW vs. GSLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSEW

GSEW Risk / Return Rank: 51
GSEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
GSEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GSEW Omega Ratio Rank: 46
GSEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
GSEW Martin Ratio Rank: 57

GSLC

GSLC Risk / Return Rank: 60
GSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
GSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
GSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 62
GSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
GSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

GSEW vs. GSLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC). 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.

	GSEW	GSLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	2.05	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.82	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.37	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.53	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.83	11.26	-1.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSEW vs. GSLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSEW Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the GSLC Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSEW and GSLC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GSEW	GSLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.64	2.05	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.77	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	0.82	-0.20

Drawdowns

GSEW vs. GSLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSEW drawdown since its inception was -38.65%, which is greater than GSLC's maximum drawdown of -33.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSEW and GSLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSEW	GSLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.65%	-33.69%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-9.49%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.18%	-18.66%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-24.90%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.21%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.89%	-4.39%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	2.13%	-0.11%

Volatility

GSEW vs. GSLC - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) have volatilities of 2.82% and 2.70%, 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

	GSEW	GSLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	2.70%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.09%	8.85%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.13%	11.71%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.92%	16.62%	+0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.19%	17.68%	+1.51%

GSEW vs. GSLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both GSEW and GSLC have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSEW vs. GSLC - Dividend Comparison

GSEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than GSLC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	1.41%	1.52%	1.46%	1.64%	1.74%	1.34%	1.53%	1.66%	1.56%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.92%	1.00%	1.11%	1.38%	1.61%	1.06%	1.35%	1.54%	1.89%	1.69%	1.69%	0.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSEW and GSLC in my portfolio?

GSEW and GSLC have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSEW or GSLC?

GSEW has higher volatility (2.82%) compared to GSLC (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSEW dropped -38.65% vs GSLC's -33.69%.

Which ETF is better, GSEW or GSLC?

On 5-year performance, GSLC leads with 12.80% vs 8.84% for GSEW. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, GSLC has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSEW or GSLC?

Over the 5-year period, GSLC has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSEW or GSLC?

GSEW and GSLC have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSEW or GSLC?

GSEW has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.92% for GSLC.

What is the main difference between GSEW and GSLC?

GSEW tracks Solactive US Large Cap Equal Weight Index, while GSLC tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.64), 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.