AVMA vs. GAL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AVMA (Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF) and GAL (SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVMA returned 14.53%/yr vs 12.32%/yr for GAL. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVMA charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for GAL.

Performance

AVMA vs. GAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA) 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, AVMA achieves a 10.31% return, which is significantly higher than GAL's 7.58% return.

AVMA

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.39%
• 6M: 7.65%
• YTD: 10.31%
• 1Y: 19.54%
• 3Y*: 14.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GAL

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: -0.34%
• 6M: 5.16%
• YTD: 7.58%
• 1Y: 15.86%
• 3Y*: 12.32%
• 5Y*: 6.70%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

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

AVMA vs. GAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVMA Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF	10.31%	16.72%	10.01%	8.36%
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	7.58%	15.95%	9.85%	5.99%

Correlation

The correlation between AVMA and GAL is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2023	0.96

The correlation between AVMA and GAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVMA vs. GAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVMA

AVMA Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AVMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
AVMA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
AVMA Martin Ratio Rank: 82

GAL

GAL Risk / Return Rank: 67
GAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
GAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
GAL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
GAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GAL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

AVMA vs. GAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA) 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.

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.

	AVMA	GAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.70	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.39	+0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	2.54	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	10.28	+2.50

AVMA vs. GAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVMA Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the GAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVMA 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.

Drawdowns

AVMA vs. GAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVMA drawdown since its inception was -11.81%, smaller than the maximum GAL drawdown of -28.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVMA and GAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVMA	GAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.81%	-28.31%	+16.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.40%	-6.27%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.81%	-9.12%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.61%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-3.72%	+2.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.53%	1.55%	-0.02%

Volatility

AVMA vs. GAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA) is 2.94%, while SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) has a volatility of 3.10%. This indicates that AVMA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVMA	GAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	3.10%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.64%	7.76%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.40%	9.36%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.31%	10.52%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.31%	11.39%	-1.08%

AVMA vs. GAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVMA has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is lower than GAL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVMA vs. GAL - Dividend Comparison

AVMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than GAL's 3.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVMA Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF	2.02%	2.21%	2.28%	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	3.22%	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 AVMA and GAL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVMA 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, AVMA or GAL?

GAL has higher volatility (3.10%) compared to AVMA (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVMA dropped -11.81% vs GAL's -28.31%.

Which ETF is better, AVMA or GAL?

On 3-year performance, AVMA leads with 14.53% vs 12.32% for GAL. On fees, AVMA is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, AVMA has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVMA or GAL?

Over the 3-year period, AVMA has performed better with a 14.53% return vs 12.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVMA or GAL?

AVMA is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for GAL.

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

GAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 2.02% for AVMA.

What is the main difference between AVMA and GAL?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.21% for AVMA and 0.35% for GAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.70), 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.