PFDE vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PFDE (Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. PFDE is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PFDE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

PFDE vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

PFDE

• 1D: -3.11%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GXLC

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

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

PFDE vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	9.27%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.50%

Correlation

The correlation between PFDE and GXLC is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.96

Return for Risk

PFDE vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF (PFDE) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PFDE	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.43	1.30	+0.13

Drawdowns

PFDE vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFDE drawdown since its inception was -10.37%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFDE and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFDE	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.37%	-9.08%	-1.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.75%	-2.88%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.04%	-1.50%	-0.54%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PFDE	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	13.63%	+2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	13.63%	+2.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.30%	13.63%	+2.67%

PFDE vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFDE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFDE vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

PFDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than GXLC's 0.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.64%	0.30%
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	0.11%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFDE and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PFDE 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, PFDE 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, PFDE or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for PFDE.

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

GXLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.11% for PFDE.

What is the main difference between PFDE and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Pathfinder and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for PFDE and 0.02% for GXLC.