GXLC vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index while ESN tracks the Essential 40 Stock Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GXLC charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

GXLC vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXLC achieves a 8.02% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 14.67% return.

GXLC

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -2.00%
• YTD: 8.02%
• 6M: 6.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 14.67%
• 6M: 13.89%
• 1Y: 25.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GXLC vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.02%	3.22%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.67%	1.79%

Correlation

The correlation between GXLC and ESN is 0.76, 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 Sep 24, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

GXLC vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXLC

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

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 86
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

GXLC vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	GXLC	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.53	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.51	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.44	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.91	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.25	—

Drawdowns

GXLC vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXLC drawdown since its inception was -9.08%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXLC and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXLC	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-13.60%	+4.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.31%	-1.06%	-2.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.57%	-1.86%	+0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.64%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GXLC	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.31%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.49%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.75%	9.95%	+3.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.75%	13.25%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	13.25%	+0.50%

GXLC vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXLC has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXLC vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

GXLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%, less than ESN's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.79%	0.91%	0.76%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXLC and ESN in my portfolio?

GXLC and ESN have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GXLC or ESN?

On fees, GXLC is cheaper at 0.02% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXLC or ESN?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GXLC or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between GXLC and ESN?

GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index, while ESN tracks Essential 40 Stock Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and KKM Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.02% for GXLC and 0.70% for ESN.