USRD vs. GXLC

Last updated Aug 2, 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 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. 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 11.87% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 10.06% return.

USRD

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -2.25%
• 6M: 11.38%
• YTD: 11.87%
• 1Y: 14.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.58%

GXLC

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 0.20%
• 6M: 8.81%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	$27.98K	$20.23K	$17.31K
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	$1.97K	$8.97K	$6.57K

USRD vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	11.87%	0.22%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	10.06%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between USRD and GXLC is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

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	0.62	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.98	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.83	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.23	—	—

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	-7.79%	-1.48%	-6.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.87%	-1.58%	-2.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.13%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USRD	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.94%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.13%	13.60%	+4.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.34%	13.60%	+5.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.34%	13.60%	+5.74%

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 has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GXLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.64%	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?

USRD and GXLC have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

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 0.64%, 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.