MXLGX vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MXLGX (Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both funds - MXLGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Great-West, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, MXLGX returned 16.34%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for XLE. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MXLGX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

MXLGX vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MXLGX achieves a 6.05% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.17% return. Over the past 10 years, MXLGX has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 16.34%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 10.22% annualized return.

MXLGX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 5.24%
• YTD: 6.05%
• 6M: 4.89%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 20.23%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 16.34%

XLE

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 32.17%
• 6M: 29.80%
• 1Y: 45.00%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 20.44%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

MXLGX vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXLGX Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund	6.05%	13.93%	25.30%	33.43%	-34.08%	41.30%	40.72%	36.20%	-0.47%	28.82%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.17%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MXLGX and XLE is -0.18, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2003	0.49

The correlation between MXLGX and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.18 (1 year) to 0.49 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MXLGX vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXLGX

MXLGX Risk / Return Rank: 20
MXLGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
MXLGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
MXLGX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
MXLGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
MXLGX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 63
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

MXLGX vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	MXLGX	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.21	-0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	2.84	-0.84
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.35	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.36	3.75	-2.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.21	10.92	-6.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MXLGX vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXLGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXLGX and XLE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MXLGX	XLE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	2.21	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	0.79	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.35	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.31	-0.05

Drawdowns

MXLGX vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXLGX drawdown since its inception was -62.98%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXLGX and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXLGX	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.98%	-71.26%	+8.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.95%	-12.05%	-2.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.74%	-20.14%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.07%	-26.04%	-12.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.07%	-66.81%	+28.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.15%	+6.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.82%	-17.98%	-7.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.71%	4.14%	+0.57%

Volatility

MXLGX vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) is 3.49%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 8.25%. This indicates that MXLGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXLGX	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.49%	8.25%	-4.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.55%	16.58%	-6.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	20.53%	-6.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.83%	26.02%	-4.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.46%	29.59%	-6.13%

MXLGX vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXLGX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXLGX vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

MXLGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.16%, more than XLE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXLGX Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund	12.16%	12.90%	9.72%	2.95%	9.29%	21.33%	30.57%	17.96%	25.47%	5.25%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.54%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXLGX and XLE in my portfolio?

MXLGX and XLE have a correlation of -0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MXLGX or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (8.25%) compared to MXLGX (3.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXLGX dropped -62.98% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.43), 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.