MSLC vs. GXLC

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MSLC (Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. MSLC is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. MSLC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

MSLC vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSLC achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly lower than GXLC's 11.54% return.

MSLC

• 1D: 1.66%
• 1M: 2.02%
• 6M: 8.56%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 1Y: 19.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.71%

GXLC

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 1.54%
• 6M: 9.67%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

*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)
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	$25.69K	$21.89K	$18.29K
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	$3.52M	$3.51M	$4.69M

MSLC vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	10.46%	2.31%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	11.54%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between MSLC and GXLC is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

MSLC vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSLC

MSLC Risk / Return Rank: 61
MSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
MSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
MSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

GXLC

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

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.

MSLC vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). 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.

	MSLC	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.94	—	—

Drawdowns

MSLC vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSLC drawdown since its inception was -17.86%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSLC and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSLC	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.86%	-9.08%	-8.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.31%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.16%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.36%	-1.57%	-0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MSLC	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.54%	13.64%	-1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.84%	13.64%	+3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	13.64%	+3.20%

MSLC vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSLC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSLC vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

MSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, more than GXLC's 0.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.63%	0.30%
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	1.94%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSLC and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, MSLC and GXLC 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, MSLC or GXLC?

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, MSLC or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MSLC.

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

MSLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.94%, compared with 0.63% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between MSLC and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MSLC and 0.02% for GXLC.