GAAEX vs. FGIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GAAEX (Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund) and FGIAX (Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GAAEX returned 10.99%/yr vs 8.47%/yr for FGIAX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAAEX charges 1.98%/yr vs 1.21%/yr for FGIAX.

Performance

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAAEX achieves a 16.38% return, which is significantly higher than FGIAX's 11.17% return. Over the past 10 years, GAAEX has outperformed FGIAX with an annualized return of 10.99%, while FGIAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.47% annualized return.

GAAEX

• 1D: 1.93%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 16.38%
• 6M: 14.75%
• 1Y: 37.54%
• 3Y*: 4.84%
• 5Y*: 3.59%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

FGIAX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -1.08%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 11.83%
• 1Y: 17.63%
• 3Y*: 14.00%
• 5Y*: 9.69%
• 10Y*: 8.47%

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

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GAAEX Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund	16.38%	26.64%	-11.85%	-2.39%	-12.67%	8.40%	86.45%	30.20%	-15.49%	20.68%
FGIAX Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A	11.17%	17.73%	10.70%	8.51%	-6.23%	14.51%	-2.76%	29.32%	-7.91%	19.40%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

GAAEX vs. FGIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAAEX

GAAEX Risk / Return Rank: 44
GAAEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
GAAEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GAAEX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GAAEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GAAEX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

FGIAX

FGIAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
FGIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FGIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FGIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
FGIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
FGIAX 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.

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	GAAEX	FGIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.70	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.38	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.94	-0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.87	9.32	-0.45

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAAEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the FGIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAAEX and FGIAX, 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

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	GAAEX	FGIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.83%	-49.35%	-36.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.57%	-6.04%	-8.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-12.45%	-22.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.64%	-21.08%	-19.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.64%	-38.02%	-2.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.36%	-2.91%	-47.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-63.61%	-7.16%	-56.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	1.90%	+2.31%

Volatility

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Volatility Comparison

Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) has a higher volatility of 8.87% compared to Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A (FGIAX) at 3.35%. This indicates that GAAEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FGIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAAEX	FGIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.87%	3.35%	+5.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.45%	8.70%	+7.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.37%	10.45%	+9.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.65%	13.23%	+9.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.44%	15.22%	+7.22%

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GAAEX vs. FGIAX - Dividend Comparison

GAAEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than FGIAX's 14.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGIAX Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund Class A	14.35%	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 GAAEX and FGIAX in my portfolio?

GAAEX and FGIAX 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, GAAEX or FGIAX?

GAAEX has higher volatility (8.87%) compared to FGIAX (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAAEX dropped -85.83% vs FGIAX's -49.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAAEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 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.