XTL vs. GOLS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and GOLS (Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF) are both Communications Equities funds. XTL is passively managed, while GOLS is actively managed. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for GOLS.

Performance

XTL vs. GOLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF (GOLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

XTL

• 1D: -2.51%
• 1M: -6.97%
• 6M: 29.05%
• YTD: 36.50%
• 1Y: 76.86%
• 3Y*: 42.98%
• 5Y*: 17.56%
• 10Y*: 14.36%

GOLS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 4.78%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XTL vs. GOLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	36.50%
GOLS Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF	5.03%

Correlation

The correlation between XTL and GOLS is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.25

Return for Risk

XTL vs. GOLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 88
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

XTL vs. GOLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) 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.

	XTL	GOLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.88	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.96	—	—

Drawdowns

XTL vs. GOLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, which is greater than GOLS's maximum drawdown of -7.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and GOLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTL	GOLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.01%	-7.85%	-29.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.83%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.83%	-1.87%	-13.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-1.98%	-7.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.83%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XTL	GOLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.10%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.01%	13.78%	+17.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.56%	13.78%	+11.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.69%	13.78%	+9.91%

XTL vs. GOLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

XTL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GOLS's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

XTL vs. GOLS - Dividend Comparison

XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, while GOLS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	1.28%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XTL and GOLS in my portfolio?

XTL and GOLS have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XTL or GOLS?

On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTL or GOLS?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for GOLS.

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

XTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.00% for GOLS.

What is the main difference between XTL and GOLS?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTL and 0.90% for GOLS.