USRD vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USRD (Themes US R&D Champions ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - USRD tracks the Solactive US R&D Champions Index while GXLC tracks the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USRD charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

USRD vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) 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, USRD achieves a 10.76% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 8.31% return.

USRD

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -2.04%
• YTD: 10.76%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 19.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

USRD vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	10.76%	0.22%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between USRD and GXLC is 0.90, 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	0.90

Return for Risk

USRD vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

USRD

USRD Risk / Return Rank: 32
USRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
USRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
USRD Omega Ratio Rank: 31
USRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
USRD Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

USRD vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) 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.

	USRD	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.58	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.25	—	—

Drawdowns

USRD vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USRD drawdown since its inception was -23.79%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USRD and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	USRD	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.79%	-9.08%	-14.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.69%	-3.05%	-5.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.75%	-1.54%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.60%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USRD	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.56%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.73%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.86%	13.85%	+4.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.52%	13.85%	+5.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.52%	13.85%	+5.67%

USRD vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

USRD has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

USRD vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

USRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	0.38%	0.42%	2.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USRD and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, USRD 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, USRD 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, USRD or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for USRD.

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

GXLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.38% for USRD.

What is the main difference between USRD and GXLC?

USRD tracks Solactive US R&D Champions Index, while GXLC tracks Solactive GBS United States 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for USRD and 0.02% for GXLC.