GAA vs. SYLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GAA (Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF) and SYLD (Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GAA is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Cambria, while SYLD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Cambria. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GAA returned 7.72%/yr vs 12.98%/yr for SYLD. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAA charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SYLD.

Performance

GAA vs. SYLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAA achieves a 9.39% return, which is significantly lower than SYLD's 13.63% return. Over the past 10 years, GAA has underperformed SYLD with an annualized return of 7.72%, while SYLD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.98% annualized return.

GAA

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 11.23%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 14.43%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

SYLD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 13.63%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 5.75%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

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

GAA vs. SYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	9.39%	18.76%	6.67%	7.65%	-8.47%	11.17%	9.11%	15.12%	-7.15%	15.11%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	13.63%	3.94%	3.37%	16.46%	-6.14%	48.59%	13.61%	26.98%	-13.51%	20.03%

Correlation

The correlation between GAA and SYLD is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2014	0.55

The correlation between GAA and SYLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.56 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GAA vs. SYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GAA	SYLD
Financial Services	17.5%	22.7%
Industrials	14.2%	8.1%
Real Estate	13.9%	-
Energy	13.2%	17.7%
Basic Materials	9.7%	7.9%
Technology	8.7%	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	22.9%
Communication Services	4.0%	6.0%
Utilities	3.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	6.8%
Healthcare	3.2%	5.6%

Return for Risk

GAA vs. SYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAA

GAA Risk / Return Rank: 76
GAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
GAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
GAA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
GAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
GAA Martin Ratio Rank: 77

SYLD

SYLD Risk / Return Rank: 55
SYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. SYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). 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.

	GAA	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	1.65	+0.83
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	2.54	+0.96
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.29	+0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	3.70	+0.23
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.04	10.02	+5.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GAA vs. SYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAA Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is higher than the SYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAA and SYLD, 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

	GAA	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.48	1.65	+0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	0.28	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.57	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.57	+0.06

Drawdowns

GAA vs. SYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAA drawdown since its inception was -26.57%, smaller than the maximum SYLD drawdown of -45.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAA and SYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAA	SYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.57%	-45.36%	+18.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.78%	-6.93%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.18%	-26.62%	+19.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.47%	-26.62%	+8.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.57%	-45.36%	+18.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-1.31%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.85%	-5.66%	+1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.51%	2.55%	-1.04%

Volatility

GAA vs. SYLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) is 2.60%, while Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) has a volatility of 3.13%. This indicates that GAA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAA	SYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.60%	3.13%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.41%	9.94%	-2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.19%	15.55%	-6.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.28%	20.62%	-9.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.09%	22.96%	-11.87%

GAA vs. SYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAA has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than SYLD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAA vs. SYLD - Dividend Comparison

GAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, more than SYLD's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	3.59%	4.24%	3.88%	3.73%	6.05%	4.21%	2.73%	3.32%	3.01%	2.36%	2.82%	2.49%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	1.86%	2.25%	2.04%	1.92%	2.20%	2.37%	1.99%	2.08%	2.52%	1.57%	1.92%	6.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAA and SYLD in my portfolio?

GAA and SYLD have a correlation of 0.46, 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 SYLD?

SYLD has higher volatility (3.13%) compared to GAA (2.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAA dropped -26.57% vs SYLD's -45.36%.

Which ETF is better, GAA or SYLD?

On 10-year performance, SYLD leads with 12.98% vs 7.72% for GAA. On fees, GAA is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, GAA has been the lower-risk option at 2.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GAA or SYLD?

Over the 10-year period, SYLD has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 7.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAA or SYLD?

GAA is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SYLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GAA or SYLD?

GAA has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 1.86% for SYLD.

What is the main difference between GAA and SYLD?

GAA is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while SYLD is Mid Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for GAA and 0.59% for SYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.65), 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.