RCTR vs. GXPE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

RCTR (First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF) and GXPE (Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - RCTR tracks the Bloomberg Nuclear Power Index while GXPE tracks the MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. RCTR charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for GXPE.

Performance

RCTR vs. GXPE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) and Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RCTR achieves a 5.47% return, which is significantly lower than GXPE's 20.25% return.

RCTR

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: -4.85%
• YTD: 5.47%
• 6M: 2.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GXPE

• 1D: -1.80%
• 1M: -9.28%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 6M: 21.31%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RCTR vs. GXPE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	5.47%	6.65%
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	20.25%	3.36%

Correlation

The correlation between RCTR and GXPE is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	-0.09

Return for Risk

RCTR vs. GXPE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) and Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE). 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.

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

Drawdowns

RCTR vs. GXPE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RCTR drawdown since its inception was -16.86%, which is greater than GXPE's maximum drawdown of -14.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RCTR and GXPE.

Drawdown Indicators

	RCTR	GXPE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.86%	-14.89%	-1.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.21%	-14.64%	+2.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.05%	-3.66%	-1.39%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RCTR	GXPE	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.99%	20.74%	+6.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.99%	20.74%	+6.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.99%	20.74%	+6.25%

RCTR vs. GXPE - Expense Ratio Comparison

RCTR has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than GXPE's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

RCTR vs. GXPE - Dividend Comparison

RCTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than GXPE's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	1.00%	1.20%
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	0.42%	0.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RCTR and GXPE in my portfolio?

RCTR and GXPE have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RCTR or GXPE?

On fees, GXPE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RCTR or GXPE?

GXPE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for RCTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RCTR or GXPE?

GXPE has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.42% for RCTR.

What is the main difference between RCTR and GXPE?

RCTR tracks Bloomberg Nuclear Power Index, while GXPE tracks MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for RCTR and 0.15% for GXPE.