GXTG vs. XLK

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

GXTG (Global X Thematic Growth ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GXTG is a Global Equities fund tracking the Solactive Thematic Growth Index, while XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GXTG returned -13.00%/yr vs 19.12%/yr for XLK. Their 0.68 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. GXTG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

GXTG vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXTG achieves a -1.28% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 23.97% return.

GXTG

• 1D: 2.16%
• 1M: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.19%
• YTD: -1.28%
• 1Y: -6.02%
• 3Y*: -3.08%
• 5Y*: -13.00%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -0.26%

XLK

• 1D: 1.53%
• 1M: -1.41%
• 6M: 22.86%
• YTD: 23.97%
• 1Y: 39.24%
• 3Y*: 28.50%
• 5Y*: 19.12%
• 10Y*: 23.73%
• ALL TIME*: 10.26%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	$113.22K	$106.22K	$200.22K
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	$1.65B	$1.63B	$2.23B

GXTG vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	-1.28%	3.52%	-3.55%	10.26%	-48.08%	3.21%	61.07%	4.74%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	23.97%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	8.62%

Correlation

The correlation between GXTG and XLK is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2019	0.68

The correlation between GXTG and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (3 years) to 0.83 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GXTG vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GXTG	XLK
Technology	22.3%	99.1%
Basic Materials	14.4%	-
Utilities	12.4%	-
Communication Services	11.7%	0.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	-
Healthcare	10.5%	-
Industrials	8.0%	0.1%
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Financial Services	2.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%

Return for Risk

GXTG vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

GXTG

GXTG Risk / Return Rank: 8
GXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
GXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 9
GXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
GXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 8

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 62
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 60
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 55

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

GXTG vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	GXTG	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.19	1.55	-1.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.05	2.08	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.26	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	2.48	-2.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.48	6.68	-7.16

GXTG vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GXTG Sharpe Ratio is -0.19, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GXTG and XLK, 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

GXTG vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXTG drawdown since its inception was -67.81%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXTG and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXTG	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.81%	-82.05%	+14.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.14%	-15.92%	-13.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.14%	-25.66%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.17%	-33.56%	-27.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-60.98%	-10.07%	-50.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.42%	-34.80%	-8.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.65%	5.89%	+6.76%

Volatility

GXTG vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) has a higher volatility of 13.40% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 9.37%. This indicates that GXTG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GXTG	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.40%	9.37%	+4.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.68%	21.74%	+3.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.57%	25.56%	+6.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.75%	25.77%	+2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.13%	24.91%	+5.22%

GXTG vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXTG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXTG vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

GXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, more than XLK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	1.52%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.45%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXTG and XLK in my portfolio?

GXTG and XLK have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GXTG or XLK?

GXTG has higher volatility (13.40%) compared to XLK (9.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GXTG dropped -67.81% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, GXTG or XLK?

On 5-year performance, XLK leads with 19.12% vs -13.00% for GXTG. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 9.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GXTG or XLK?

Over the 5-year period, XLK has performed better with a 19.12% return vs -13.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXTG or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GXTG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GXTG or XLK?

GXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.45% for XLK.

What is the main difference between GXTG and XLK?

GXTG is categorized as Global Equities, while XLK is Technology Equities. GXTG tracks Solactive Thematic Growth Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GXTG and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs -0.19), 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.