VUS vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VUS is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

VUS vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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, VUS achieves a 17.75% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 8.31% return.

VUS

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 17.75%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

VUS vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	17.75%	0.88%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and GXLC is 0.92, 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 Dec 3, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

VUS vs. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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.

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

Drawdowns

VUS vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUS drawdown since its inception was -9.45%, roughly equal to the maximum GXLC drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUS and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUS	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-9.08%	-0.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.39%	-3.05%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-1.54%	+0.04%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.16%	13.85%	+1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.16%	13.85%	+1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.16%	13.85%	+1.31%

VUS vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUS has a 0.25% 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

VUS vs. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	1.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VUS 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, VUS 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, VUS or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VUS.

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

VUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between VUS and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUS and 0.02% for GXLC.