GAA vs. HGLB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GAA (Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF) and HGLB (Highland Global Allocation Fund) are both funds - GAA is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Cambria, while HGLB is a Global Allocation fund managed by Highland Funds. Over the past 5 years, GAA returned 6.12%/yr vs 7.90%/yr for HGLB. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GAA charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for HGLB.

Performance

GAA vs. HGLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) and Highland Global Allocation Fund (HGLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAA achieves a 6.98% return, which is significantly higher than HGLB's -13.14% return.

GAA

• 1D: -2.33%
• 1M: -1.58%
• YTD: 6.98%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 13.29%
• 5Y*: 6.12%
• 10Y*: 7.57%

HGLB

• 1D: -1.65%
• 1M: -6.17%
• YTD: -13.14%
• 6M: -14.10%
• 1Y: -4.96%
• 3Y*: 9.17%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

GAA vs. HGLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	6.98%	18.76%	6.67%	7.65%	-8.47%	11.17%	9.11%	8.12%
HGLB Highland Global Allocation Fund	-13.14%	51.74%	-1.52%	-6.15%	14.53%	53.22%	-17.98%	-31.46%

Correlation

The correlation between GAA and HGLB is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2019	0.30

Return for Risk

GAA vs. HGLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAA

GAA Risk / Return Rank: 62
GAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
GAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
GAA Omega Ratio Rank: 61
GAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
GAA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

HGLB

HGLB Risk / Return Rank: 2
HGLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
HGLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
HGLB Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HGLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
HGLB Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

GAA vs. HGLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) and Highland Global Allocation Fund (HGLB). 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.

	GAA	HGLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	-0.24	+2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	-0.20	+2.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.97	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	-0.21	+3.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.58	-0.41	+11.99

GAA vs. HGLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAA Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the HGLB Sharpe Ratio of -0.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAA and HGLB, 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

GAA vs. HGLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAA drawdown since its inception was -26.57%, smaller than the maximum HGLB drawdown of -70.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAA and HGLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAA	HGLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.57%	-70.40%	+43.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.78%	-23.34%	+17.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.18%	-23.34%	+16.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.47%	-29.88%	+11.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-22.72%	+19.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.84%	-18.20%	+14.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.54%	11.99%	-10.45%

Volatility

GAA vs. HGLB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) is 3.96%, while Highland Global Allocation Fund (HGLB) has a volatility of 6.02%. This indicates that GAA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HGLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAA	HGLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	6.02%	-2.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.16%	12.95%	-4.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.56%	21.16%	-11.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.37%	22.11%	-10.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.12%	27.62%	-16.50%

GAA vs. HGLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAA has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than HGLB's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAA vs. HGLB - Dividend Comparison

GAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.67%, less than HGLB's 13.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	3.67%	4.24%	3.88%	3.73%	6.05%	4.21%	2.73%	3.32%	3.01%	2.36%	2.82%	2.49%
HGLB Highland Global Allocation Fund	13.91%	11.57%	14.27%	12.82%	10.32%	9.39%	15.44%	11.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAA and HGLB in my portfolio?

GAA and HGLB have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GAA or HGLB?

HGLB has higher volatility (6.02%) compared to GAA (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAA dropped -26.57% vs HGLB's -70.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs -0.24), 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.