AHLT vs. GXDW

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

AHLT (American Beacon AHL Trend ETF) and GXDW (Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds. AHLT is actively managed, while GXDW is passively managed. Over the past year, AHLT returned 28.30% vs -10.20% for GXDW. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AHLT charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for GXDW.

Performance

AHLT vs. GXDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) and Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AHLT achieves a 8.59% return, which is significantly higher than GXDW's -3.81% return.

AHLT

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -1.15%
• 6M: 2.00%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 1Y: 28.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GXDW

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: -17.37%
• 6M: -8.90%
• YTD: -3.81%
• 1Y: -10.20%
• 3Y*: -6.09%
• 5Y*: -12.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

AHLT vs. GXDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	8.59%	13.73%	6.08%	-8.42%
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	-3.81%	3.52%	-3.55%	-2.80%

Correlation

The correlation between AHLT and GXDW is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 2023	0.26

Over the past year, AHLT and GXDW have become more correlated (0.47) than their long-term average of 0.26, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

AHLT vs. GXDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

AHLT

AHLT Risk / Return Rank: 65
AHLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
AHLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
AHLT Omega Ratio Rank: 62
AHLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
AHLT Martin Ratio Rank: 63

GXDW

GXDW Risk / Return Rank: 6
GXDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
GXDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
GXDW Omega Ratio Rank: 7
GXDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
GXDW Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

AHLT vs. GXDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) and Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW). 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.

	AHLT	GXDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	-0.34	+1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	-0.28	+2.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	0.96	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	-0.41	+3.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.68	-0.88	+9.56

AHLT vs. GXDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AHLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is higher than the GXDW Sharpe Ratio of -0.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AHLT and GXDW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AHLT vs. GXDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AHLT drawdown since its inception was -20.18%, smaller than the maximum GXDW drawdown of -67.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AHLT and GXDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	AHLT	GXDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.18%	-67.81%	+47.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.26%	-24.98%	+16.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-61.17%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.19%	-61.98%	+57.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-43.31%	+34.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	11.62%	-8.35%

Volatility

AHLT vs. GXDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is 3.86%, while Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) has a volatility of 10.34%. This indicates that AHLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GXDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AHLT	GXDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	10.34%	-6.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.37%	23.82%	-12.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.55%	29.78%	-12.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	28.44%	-11.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	29.95%	-12.67%

AHLT vs. GXDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

AHLT has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than GXDW's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AHLT vs. GXDW - Dividend Comparison

AHLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, which matches GXDW's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	1.56%	1.70%	0.00%	3.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	1.56%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AHLT and GXDW in my portfolio?

AHLT and GXDW have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AHLT or GXDW?

GXDW has higher volatility (10.34%) compared to AHLT (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AHLT dropped -20.18% vs GXDW's -67.81%.

Which ETF is better, AHLT or GXDW?

On 1-year performance, AHLT leads with 28.30% vs -10.20% for GXDW. On fees, GXDW is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, AHLT has been the lower-risk option at 3.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AHLT or GXDW?

Over the 1-year period, AHLT has performed better with a 28.30% return vs -10.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AHLT or GXDW?

GXDW is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for AHLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AHLT or GXDW?

AHLT and GXDW have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.56%.

What is the main difference between AHLT and GXDW?

They also come from different issuers: American Beacon and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for AHLT and 0.50% for GXDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AHLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs -0.34), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.