FGIAX vs. GAAEX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FGIAX (Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A) and GAAEX (Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FGIAX returned 8.78%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for GAAEX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FGIAX charges 1.21%/yr vs 1.98%/yr for GAAEX.

Performance

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A (FGIAX) and Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGIAX achieves a 11.69% return, which is significantly lower than GAAEX's 17.64% return. Over the past 10 years, FGIAX has underperformed GAAEX with an annualized return of 8.78%, while GAAEX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.50% annualized return.

FGIAX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: -0.62%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 11.63%
• 1Y: 17.34%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 9.78%
• 10Y*: 8.78%

GAAEX

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 17.64%
• 6M: 16.36%
• 1Y: 38.01%
• 3Y*: 6.90%
• 5Y*: 3.29%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

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

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGIAX Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A	11.69%	17.73%	10.70%	8.51%	-6.23%	14.51%	-2.76%	29.32%	-7.91%	19.40%
GAAEX Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund	17.64%	26.64%	-11.85%	-2.39%	-12.67%	8.40%	86.45%	30.20%	-15.49%	20.68%

Correlation

The correlation between FGIAX and GAAEX is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2007	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between FGIAX and GAAEX has dropped to 0.41 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FGIAX vs. GAAEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGIAX

FGIAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
FGIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
FGIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
FGIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FGIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FGIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

GAAEX

GAAEX Risk / Return Rank: 48
GAAEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
GAAEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
GAAEX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
GAAEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
GAAEX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A (FGIAX) and Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX). 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.

	FGIAX	GAAEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.92	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.61	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	2.69	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.58	9.28	+0.29

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the GAAEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGIAX and GAAEX, 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

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGIAX drawdown since its inception was -49.35%, smaller than the maximum GAAEX drawdown of -85.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGIAX and GAAEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGIAX	GAAEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.35%	-85.83%	+36.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.04%	-14.57%	+8.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.45%	-35.21%	+22.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.08%	-40.64%	+19.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.02%	-40.64%	+2.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-49.82%	+47.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.16%	-63.60%	+56.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	4.22%	-2.31%

Volatility

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A (FGIAX) is 3.37%, while Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) has a volatility of 8.64%. This indicates that FGIAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GAAEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGIAX	GAAEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	8.64%	-5.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.65%	16.37%	-7.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.48%	20.43%	-9.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.22%	22.64%	-9.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.22%	22.45%	-7.23%

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGIAX has a 1.21% expense ratio, which is lower than GAAEX's 1.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGIAX vs. GAAEX - Dividend Comparison

FGIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.28%, more than GAAEX's 0.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGIAX Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A	14.28%	9.99%	7.46%	2.27%	6.11%	7.20%	1.38%	7.06%	6.32%	5.83%	8.23%	3.05%
GAAEX Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund	0.28%	0.33%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.09%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGIAX and GAAEX in my portfolio?

FGIAX and GAAEX have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGIAX or GAAEX?

GAAEX has higher volatility (8.64%) compared to FGIAX (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGIAX dropped -49.35% vs GAAEX's -85.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAAEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.75), 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.