GSLC vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GSLC (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSLC is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSLC returned 14.79%/yr vs 15.70%/yr for SPY. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GSLC charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

GSLC vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSLC achieves a 7.16% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 9.74% return. Over the past 10 years, GSLC has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 14.79%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.70% annualized return.

GSLC

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 7.16%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 22.11%
• 3Y*: 19.74%
• 5Y*: 12.17%
• 10Y*: 14.79%

SPY

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 9.27%
• 1Y: 26.65%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 13.51%
• 10Y*: 15.70%

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

GSLC vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	7.16%	16.17%	24.21%	25.09%	-18.71%	27.17%	19.02%	30.74%	-4.07%	22.49%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.74%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between GSLC and SPY is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2015	0.99

The correlation between GSLC and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSLC vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSLC	SPY
Technology	37.5%	39.0%
Financial Services	10.8%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	9.9%
Communication Services	10.0%	10.6%
Healthcare	8.8%	8.3%
Industrials	8.3%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	4.5%
Energy	3.3%	3.1%
Utilities	2.4%	2.1%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

GSLC vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSLC

GSLC Risk / Return Rank: 54
GSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
GSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
GSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
GSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
GSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 68
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

GSLC vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	GSLC	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.16	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	2.91	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	3.01	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.16	13.54	-3.38

GSLC vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSLC and SPY, 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

GSLC vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSLC drawdown since its inception was -33.69%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSLC and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSLC	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-55.19%	+21.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.49%	-8.88%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.66%	-18.76%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.90%	-24.50%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.69%	-33.72%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-1.75%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.38%	-9.04%	+4.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.18%	1.97%	+0.21%

Volatility

GSLC vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) have volatilities of 4.43% and 4.64%, 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

	GSLC	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	4.64%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.60%	9.75%	-0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.23%	12.43%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.70%	17.14%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.73%	17.99%	-0.26%

GSLC vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSLC has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than SPY's 0.09% 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

GSLC vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

GSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than SPY's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.94%	1.00%	1.11%	1.38%	1.61%	1.06%	1.35%	1.54%	1.89%	1.69%	1.69%	0.36%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.01%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSLC and SPY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, GSLC and SPY 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, GSLC or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.64%) compared to GSLC (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSLC dropped -33.69% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, GSLC or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.70% vs 14.79% for GSLC. On fees, GSLC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, GSLC has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSLC or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.70% return vs 14.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSLC or SPY?

GSLC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for SPY.

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

SPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.94% for GSLC.

What is the main difference between GSLC and SPY?

GSLC is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. GSLC tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for GSLC and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.82), 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.