XLC vs. GOLS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) and GOLS (Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF) are both Communications Equities funds. XLC is passively managed, while GOLS is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLC charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for GOLS.

Performance

XLC vs. GOLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) and Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF (GOLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

XLC

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -7.49%
• YTD: -8.97%
• 6M: -9.26%
• 1Y: 2.52%
• 3Y*: 19.82%
• 5Y*: 6.82%
• 10Y*: —

GOLS

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLC vs. GOLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-8.97%
GOLS Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF	2.53%

Correlation

The correlation between XLC and GOLS is 0.69, 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 Jan 2, 2026	0.69

Return for Risk

XLC vs. GOLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 11
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 10
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 12

GOLS

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.

XLC vs. GOLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) and Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF (GOLS). 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.

	XLC	GOLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.36	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.69	—	—

Drawdowns

XLC vs. GOLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLC drawdown since its inception was -46.65%, which is greater than GOLS's maximum drawdown of -7.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLC and GOLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLC	GOLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.65%	-7.85%	-38.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.76%	-4.20%	-6.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.57%	-1.98%	-8.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLC	GOLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.68%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.26%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	13.69%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.73%	13.69%	+7.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.17%	13.69%	+8.48%

XLC vs. GOLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLC has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than GOLS's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLC vs. GOLS - Dividend Comparison

XLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, while GOLS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GOLS Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.34%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLC and GOLS in my portfolio?

XLC and GOLS have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLC or GOLS?

On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLC or GOLS?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for GOLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLC or GOLS?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.34%, compared with 0.00% for GOLS.

What is the main difference between XLC and GOLS?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLC and 0.90% for GOLS.