GTO vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GTO (Invesco Total Return Bond ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GTO is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Invesco, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. GTO is actively managed, while XLG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GTO returned 2.93%/yr vs 17.27%/yr for XLG. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GTO charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

GTO vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO) 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, GTO achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly lower than XLG's 7.57% return. Over the past 10 years, GTO has underperformed XLG with an annualized return of 2.93%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.27% annualized return.

GTO

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 6.41%
• 3Y*: 4.86%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: 2.93%

XLG

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 4.22%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: 28.54%
• 3Y*: 24.46%
• 5Y*: 16.24%
• 10Y*: 17.27%

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

GTO vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GTO Invesco Total Return Bond ETF	0.68%	7.17%	2.63%	5.95%	-14.77%	-0.38%	10.86%	11.65%	-0.26%	7.41%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	7.57%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between GTO and XLG is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2016	0.07

Over the past year, GTO and XLG have become more correlated (0.29) than their long-term average of 0.07, meaning their price movements have been converging.

GTO vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GTO	XLG
Technology	24.2%	43.9%
Healthcare	13.6%	7.0%
Financial Services	13.5%	9.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	11.3%
Communication Services	10.8%	17.1%
Industrials	8.8%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	5.8%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Energy	2.3%	2.7%
Basic Materials	2.3%	0.6%

Return for Risk

GTO vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GTO

GTO Risk / Return Rank: 53
GTO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
GTO Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
GTO Omega Ratio Rank: 56
GTO Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
GTO Martin Ratio Rank: 46

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 56
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

GTO vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO) 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.

	GTO	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.15	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.92	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.38	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	2.31	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.50	8.66	-1.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GTO vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GTO Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GTO 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GTO	XLG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.88	2.15	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	0.87	-0.86
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.92	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.62	-0.10

Drawdowns

GTO vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GTO drawdown since its inception was -20.61%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GTO and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GTO	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.61%	-52.39%	+31.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.73%	-12.41%	+9.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.98%	-20.70%	+14.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.61%	-28.02%	+7.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.61%	-30.46%	+9.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-1.44%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.80%	-7.64%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	3.30%	-2.44%

Volatility

GTO vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO) is 1.19%, while Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) has a volatility of 3.19%. This indicates that GTO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GTO	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	3.19%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.50%	9.80%	-7.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.43%	13.33%	-9.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.68%	18.68%	-13.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.58%	18.84%	-13.26%

GTO vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GTO has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

GTO vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

GTO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, more than XLG's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GTO Invesco Total Return Bond ETF	4.76%	4.70%	4.42%	4.05%	3.47%	1.93%	4.04%	2.97%	5.25%	2.81%	2.57%	0.00%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.60%	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 GTO and XLG in my portfolio?

GTO and XLG have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GTO or XLG?

XLG has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to GTO (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GTO dropped -20.61% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, GTO or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 17.27% vs 2.93% for GTO. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GTO has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GTO or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 17.27% return vs 2.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GTO or XLG?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for GTO.

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

GTO has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 0.60% for XLG.

What is the main difference between GTO and XLG?

GTO is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while XLG is S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GTO and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.88), 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.