The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) is Goldman’s contribution to the crowded universe of large-cap equity ETFs. GSLC tracks a proprietary index that takes a multi-factor approach, looking for stocks that exhibit good value, strong momentum, high quality, and low volatility.
The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) is Goldman’s contribution to the crowded universe of large-cap equity ETFs. GSLC tracks a proprietary index that takes a multi-factor approach, looking for stocks that exhibit good value, strong momentum, high quality, and low volatility.
GSLC’s 2015 debut made a splash by charging an ultra-low management fee. At just 9 basis points, it was significantly cheaper than the smart-beta competition, and exactly the same price as the plain-vanilla SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), the first and largest ETF on the market. It was a cheeky publicity move — and it worked. GSLC quickly picked up considerable assets, a notable success for a late-mover. Other multi-factor funds come with a higher price tag, which could be a turn-off for cost conscious investors. GSLC’s low management fee makes it contender for a core portfolio allocation to U.S. large-cap stocks.
Top holdings include Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Johnson & Johnson. Like most U.S. large-cap funds, the portfolio tilts toward tech stocks. Though past performance is no guarantee of future results, GSLC has had higher returns than plain-vanilla U.S. equity funds like SPY and the cheaper iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV). Investors can also run comparisons against other multi-factor ETFs, like the Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD).