AOR vs. GAL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AOR (iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF) and GAL (SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. AOR is passively managed, while GAL is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, AOR returned 8.46%/yr vs 8.29%/yr for GAL. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AOR charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for GAL.

Performance

AOR vs. GAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF (AOR) and SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AOR achieves a 7.96% return, which is significantly lower than GAL's 9.34% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AOR having a 8.46% annualized return and GAL not far behind at 8.29%.

AOR

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 3.07%
• YTD: 7.96%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 20.12%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: 8.46%

GAL

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: 9.34%
• 6M: 10.25%
• 1Y: 20.95%
• 3Y*: 14.26%
• 5Y*: 7.27%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

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

AOR vs. GAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AOR iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF	7.96%	16.44%	10.68%	15.75%	-15.64%	11.19%	11.42%	18.91%	-5.82%	15.80%
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	9.34%	15.95%	9.85%	13.32%	-13.41%	12.23%	9.33%	19.59%	-7.71%	18.67%

Correlation

The correlation between AOR and GAL is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2012	0.91

The correlation between AOR and GAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

AOR vs. GAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AOR	GAL
Technology	27.8%	27.2%
Financial Services	16.2%	15.8%
Industrials	11.9%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.9%
Communication Services	8.1%	7.7%
Healthcare	8.0%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.8%
Energy	4.3%	4.3%
Basic Materials	4.2%	5.0%
Utilities	2.7%	2.6%
Real Estate	2.4%	2.7%

Return for Risk

AOR vs. GAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

AOR

AOR Risk / Return Rank: 71
AOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
AOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
AOR Omega Ratio Rank: 75
AOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
AOR Martin Ratio Rank: 71

GAL

GAL Risk / Return Rank: 73
GAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
GAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
GAL Omega Ratio Rank: 75
GAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GAL Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

AOR vs. GAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF (AOR) and SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL). 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.

	AOR	GAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	2.42	-0.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	3.42	+0.01
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.45	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	3.38	-0.31
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	14.50	-1.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AOR vs. GAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AOR Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the GAL Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AOR and GAL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AOR	GAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	2.42	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.70	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.73	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.69	0.70	-0.01

Drawdowns

AOR vs. GAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AOR drawdown since its inception was -24.44%, smaller than the maximum GAL drawdown of -28.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AOR and GAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AOR	GAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.44%	-28.31%	+3.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-6.27%	-0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.77%	-9.12%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.72%	-21.14%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.95%	-28.31%	+5.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.48%	-3.74%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	1.46%	+0.06%

Volatility

AOR vs. GAL - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF (AOR) and SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) have volatilities of 2.70% and 2.63%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AOR	GAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.70%	2.63%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.81%	7.00%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.40%	8.71%	-0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.55%	10.43%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.67%	11.37%	-0.70%

AOR vs. GAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AOR has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than GAL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AOR vs. GAL - Dividend Comparison

AOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.46%, less than GAL's 3.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOR iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF	2.46%	2.55%	2.66%	2.50%	2.12%	1.64%	1.89%	2.56%	2.49%	4.51%	2.16%	2.12%
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	3.11%	3.47%	2.99%	2.56%	6.19%	4.05%	2.14%	2.96%	2.43%	2.26%	2.43%	3.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AOR and GAL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, AOR and GAL 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 is riskier, AOR or GAL?

AOR has higher volatility (2.70%) compared to GAL (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AOR dropped -24.44% vs GAL's -28.31%.

Which ETF is better, AOR or GAL?

On 10-year performance, AOR leads with 8.46% vs 8.29% for GAL. On fees, AOR is cheaper at 0.25% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AOR or GAL?

Over the 10-year period, AOR has performed better with a 8.46% return vs 8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AOR or GAL?

AOR is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for GAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AOR or GAL?

GAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.11%, compared with 2.46% for AOR.

What is the main difference between AOR and GAL?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AOR and 0.35% for GAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.41), 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.