RAFE vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - RAFE tracks the RAFI ESG US Index while GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RAFE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

RAFE vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) 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, RAFE achieves a 13.45% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 8.31% return.

RAFE

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 13.45%
• 6M: 12.91%
• 1Y: 29.87%
• 3Y*: 19.07%
• 5Y*: 11.34%
• 10Y*: —

GXLC

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 6M: 7.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RAFE vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	13.45%	4.73%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between RAFE and GXLC 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.84

Return for Risk

RAFE vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 84
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 82

GXLC

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

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.

RAFE vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) 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.

	RAFE	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.57	—	—

Drawdowns

RAFE vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAFE drawdown since its inception was -35.74%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAFE and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAFE	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.74%	-9.08%	-26.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-3.05%	+1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-1.54%	-4.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAFE	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.88%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.71%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.54%	13.85%	-2.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.10%	13.85%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.40%	13.85%	+5.55%

RAFE vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAFE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAFE vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

RAFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAFE and GXLC in my portfolio?

RAFE and GXLC 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 ETF is better, RAFE 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, RAFE or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for RAFE.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between RAFE and GXLC?

RAFE tracks RAFI ESG US Index, while GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for RAFE and 0.02% for GXLC.