GXC vs. PGJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GXC (SPDR S&P China ETF) and PGJ (Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF) are both China Equities funds - GXC tracks the S&P China BMI Index while PGJ tracks the Halter USX China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GXC returned 5.03%/yr vs -0.09%/yr for PGJ. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GXC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for PGJ.

Performance

GXC vs. PGJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) and Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXC achieves a -8.73% return, which is significantly higher than PGJ's -20.19% return. Over the past 10 years, GXC has outperformed PGJ with an annualized return of 5.03%, while PGJ has yielded a comparatively lower -0.09% annualized return.

GXC

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -5.30%
• YTD: -8.73%
• 6M: -9.84%
• 1Y: 4.52%
• 3Y*: 9.44%
• 5Y*: -5.29%
• 10Y*: 5.03%

PGJ

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: -8.64%
• YTD: -20.19%
• 6M: -21.38%
• 1Y: -15.49%
• 3Y*: -0.89%
• 5Y*: -15.22%
• 10Y*: -0.09%

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

GXC vs. PGJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	-8.73%	30.84%	14.60%	-9.93%	-22.12%	-19.70%	28.31%	23.07%	-19.39%	51.66%
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	-20.19%	13.66%	5.91%	-2.38%	-24.50%	-42.87%	54.24%	32.18%	-29.51%	60.27%

Correlation

The correlation between GXC and PGJ is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.85

The correlation between GXC and PGJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

GXC vs. PGJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GXC	PGJ
Consumer Cyclical	21.9%	44.4%
Financial Services	17.1%	3.9%
Communication Services	13.9%	26.3%
Technology	13.8%	11.4%
Industrials	9.5%	2.6%
Basic Materials	6.7%	-
Healthcare	6.3%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	7.6%
Energy	3.3%	2.1%
Real Estate	2.0%	3.1%
Utilities	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

GXC vs. PGJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXC

GXC Risk / Return Rank: 11
GXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
GXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
GXC Omega Ratio Rank: 11
GXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
GXC Martin Ratio Rank: 11

PGJ

PGJ Risk / Return Rank: 4
PGJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PGJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PGJ Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PGJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PGJ Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

GXC vs. PGJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) and Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ). 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.

	GXC	PGJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	-0.64	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.46	-0.80	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	0.91	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.28	-0.48	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.66	-1.04	+1.70

GXC vs. PGJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GXC Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is higher than the PGJ Sharpe Ratio of -0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GXC and PGJ, 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

GXC vs. PGJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXC drawdown since its inception was -71.96%, smaller than the maximum PGJ drawdown of -78.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXC and PGJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXC	PGJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.96%	-78.37%	+6.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.05%	-32.09%	+16.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.54%	-32.09%	+6.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.99%	-70.00%	+16.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.23%	-78.37%	+18.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.50%	-69.57%	+34.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.83%	-31.82%	+2.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.84%	14.90%	-8.06%

Volatility

GXC vs. PGJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) is 6.01%, while Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) has a volatility of 6.43%. This indicates that GXC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PGJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GXC	PGJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.01%	6.43%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	17.61%	-3.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.12%	24.43%	-5.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.02%	43.76%	-14.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.06%	36.71%	-10.65%

GXC vs. PGJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than PGJ's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXC vs. PGJ - Dividend Comparison

GXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than PGJ's 3.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	2.27%	2.40%	2.81%	3.70%	2.67%	1.35%	1.04%	1.60%	2.03%	1.84%	2.05%	2.85%
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	3.34%	3.38%	4.70%	2.50%	0.84%	0.00%	0.30%	0.17%	0.31%	2.05%	1.94%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXC and PGJ in my portfolio?

GXC and PGJ have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GXC or PGJ?

PGJ has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to GXC (6.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GXC dropped -71.96% vs PGJ's -78.37%.

Which ETF is better, GXC or PGJ?

On 10-year performance, GXC leads with 5.03% vs -0.09% for PGJ. On fees, GXC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GXC or PGJ?

Over the 10-year period, GXC has performed better with a 5.03% return vs -0.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXC or PGJ?

GXC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for PGJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GXC or PGJ?

PGJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.34%, compared with 2.27% for GXC.

What is the main difference between GXC and PGJ?

GXC tracks S&P China BMI Index, while PGJ tracks Halter USX China Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GXC and 0.70% for PGJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.24 vs -0.64), 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.