PGJ vs. GXC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PGJ (Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF) and GXC (SPDR S&P China ETF) are both China Equities funds - PGJ tracks the Halter USX China Index while GXC tracks the S&P China BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PGJ returned 0.21%/yr vs 5.12%/yr for GXC. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PGJ charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GXC.

Performance

PGJ vs. GXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGJ achieves a -11.48% return, which is significantly lower than GXC's -3.76% return. Over the past 10 years, PGJ has underperformed GXC with an annualized return of 0.21%, while GXC has yielded a comparatively higher 5.12% annualized return.

PGJ

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -4.23%
• YTD: -11.48%
• 6M: -13.73%
• 1Y: -7.05%
• 3Y*: 2.92%
• 5Y*: -13.73%
• 10Y*: 0.21%

GXC

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -2.93%
• YTD: -3.76%
• 6M: -4.91%
• 1Y: 10.40%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: -4.51%
• 10Y*: 5.12%

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

PGJ vs. GXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	-11.48%	13.66%	5.91%	-2.38%	-24.50%	-42.87%	54.24%	32.18%	-29.51%	60.27%
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	-3.76%	30.84%	14.60%	-9.93%	-22.12%	-19.70%	28.31%	23.07%	-19.39%	51.66%

Correlation

The correlation between PGJ and GXC is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2007	0.85

The correlation between PGJ and GXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

PGJ vs. GXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PGJ	GXC
Consumer Cyclical	44.8%	22.9%
Technology	16.2%	11.9%
Communication Services	14.5%	14.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	3.7%
Industrials	6.5%	9.1%
Financial Services	3.6%	17.1%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.9%
Energy	2.3%	3.5%
Healthcare	0.8%	6.7%
Basic Materials	-	7.0%
Utilities	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

PGJ vs. GXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGJ

PGJ Risk / Return Rank: 6
PGJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PGJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
PGJ Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PGJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
PGJ Martin Ratio Rank: 7

GXC

GXC Risk / Return Rank: 18
GXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
GXC Omega Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

PGJ vs. GXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). 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.

	PGJ	GXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.29	0.56	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.26	0.90	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.11	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.28	0.76	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.52	1.70	-2.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PGJ vs. GXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGJ Sharpe Ratio is -0.29, which is lower than the GXC Sharpe Ratio of 0.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGJ and GXC, 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

	PGJ	GXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.29	0.56	-0.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.32	-0.16	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01	0.20	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.16	-0.04

Drawdowns

PGJ vs. GXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGJ drawdown since its inception was -78.37%, which is greater than GXC's maximum drawdown of -71.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGJ and GXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGJ	GXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.37%	-71.96%	-6.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.69%	-13.73%	-11.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.82%	-25.54%	-5.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-70.00%	-53.99%	-16.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-78.37%	-60.23%	-18.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.25%	-31.99%	-34.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.74%	-28.82%	-2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.49%	6.14%	+7.35%

Volatility

PGJ vs. GXC - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) has a higher volatility of 8.54% compared to SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) at 6.63%. This indicates that PGJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGJ	GXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	6.63%	+1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.28%	13.58%	+3.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.46%	18.86%	+5.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.73%	28.97%	+14.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.69%	26.09%	+10.60%

PGJ vs. GXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGJ has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than GXC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGJ vs. GXC - Dividend Comparison

PGJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.58%, more than GXC's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	2.50%	2.40%	2.81%	3.70%	2.67%	1.35%	1.04%	1.60%	2.03%	1.84%	2.05%	2.85%
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	3.58%	3.38%	4.70%	2.50%	0.84%	0.00%	0.30%	0.17%	0.31%	2.05%	1.94%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGJ and GXC in my portfolio?

PGJ and GXC have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGJ or GXC?

PGJ has higher volatility (8.54%) compared to GXC (6.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGJ dropped -78.37% vs GXC's -71.96%.

Which ETF is better, PGJ or GXC?

On 10-year performance, GXC leads with 5.12% vs 0.21% for PGJ. On fees, GXC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PGJ or GXC?

Over the 10-year period, GXC has performed better with a 5.12% return vs 0.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PGJ or GXC?

GXC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for PGJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PGJ or GXC?

PGJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 2.50% for GXC.

What is the main difference between PGJ and GXC?

PGJ tracks Halter USX China Index, while GXC tracks S&P China BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for PGJ and 0.59% for GXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.56 vs -0.29), 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.