VUS vs. GXLC

Last updated Aug 4, 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 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. 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 20.13% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 11.54% return.

VUS

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 2.13%
• 6M: 12.27%
• YTD: 20.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

GXLC

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 1.54%
• 6M: 9.67%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 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	$25.69K	$21.89K	$18.29K
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	$50.48K	$26.14K	$17.55K

VUS vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	20.13%	0.88%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	11.54%	0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and GXLC is 0.91, 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 Dec 3, 2025	0.91

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	-0.41%	-0.16%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.48%	-1.57%	+0.09%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.68%	13.64%	+1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.68%	13.64%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.68%	13.64%	+1.04%

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 1.28%, more than GXLC's 0.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.63%	0.30%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	1.28%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, 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 1.28%, compared with 0.63% 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.