USMV vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - USMV tracks the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index while GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USMV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

USMV vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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, USMV achieves a 1.14% return, which is significantly lower than GXLC's 8.31% return.

USMV

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 6M: 0.51%
• 1Y: 3.59%
• 3Y*: 10.93%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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)

USMV vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.14%	0.44%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between USMV and GXLC is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.52

Return for Risk

USMV vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 15
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 13
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

USMV vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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.

	USMV	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.42	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.56	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.82	—	—

Drawdowns

USMV vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMV drawdown since its inception was -33.10%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMV and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMV	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.10%	-9.08%	-24.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.63%	-3.05%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-1.54%	-1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USMV	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.63%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.14%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.60%	13.85%	-5.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.35%	13.85%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.51%	13.85%	+0.66%

USMV vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USMV vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

USMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.53%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMV and GXLC in my portfolio?

USMV and GXLC have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USMV 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, USMV or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for USMV.

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

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between USMV and GXLC?

USMV tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USMV and 0.02% for GXLC.