GXLC vs. QUAL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) and QUAL (iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index while QUAL tracks the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GXLC charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUAL.

Performance

GXLC vs. QUAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) and iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXLC achieves a 8.50% return, which is significantly higher than QUAL's 7.54% return.

GXLC

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 8.50%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QUAL

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: 1.48%
• YTD: 7.54%
• 6M: 7.25%
• 1Y: 20.14%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: 11.70%
• 10Y*: 14.08%

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

GXLC vs. QUAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.50%	3.22%
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	7.54%	3.66%

Correlation

The correlation between GXLC and QUAL is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

GXLC vs. QUAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUAL

QUAL Risk / Return Rank: 51
QUAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QUAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QUAL Omega Ratio Rank: 48
QUAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
QUAL Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. QUAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) and iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GXLC	QUAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	0.79	+0.51

Drawdowns

GXLC vs. QUAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXLC drawdown since its inception was -9.08%, smaller than the maximum QUAL drawdown of -34.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXLC and QUAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXLC	QUAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-34.06%	+24.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.03%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.00%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-1.93%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-4.10%	+2.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GXLC	QUAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.13%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.28%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.63%	12.00%	+1.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.63%	17.34%	-3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.63%	18.10%	-4.47%

GXLC vs. QUAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXLC has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than QUAL's 0.15% 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

GXLC vs. QUAL - Dividend Comparison

GXLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than QUAL's 0.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.64%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	0.89%	0.94%	1.02%	1.23%	1.59%	1.20%	1.39%	1.60%	2.00%	1.76%	1.96%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXLC and QUAL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, GXLC and QUAL 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 ETF is better, GXLC or QUAL?

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 QUAL?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for QUAL.

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

QUAL has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.64% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between GXLC and QUAL?

GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index, while QUAL tracks MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.02% for GXLC and 0.15% for QUAL.