GAAEX vs. IWIRX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GAAEX (Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund) and IWIRX (Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund) are both mutual funds - GAAEX is a Global Equities fund managed by Guinness Atkinson, while IWIRX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Guinness Atkinson. Over the past 10 years, GAAEX returned 11.50%/yr vs 14.05%/yr for IWIRX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAAEX charges 1.98%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for IWIRX.

Performance

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAAEX achieves a 17.64% return, which is significantly higher than IWIRX's 4.87% return. Over the past 10 years, GAAEX has underperformed IWIRX with an annualized return of 11.50%, while IWIRX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.05% annualized return.

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%

IWIRX

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 4.87%
• 6M: 4.03%
• 1Y: 18.43%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 14.05%

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

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
IWIRX Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund	4.87%	19.93%	19.47%	39.36%	-29.72%	4.85%	36.21%	37.05%	-16.90%	34.77%

Correlation

The correlation between GAAEX and IWIRX is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2006	0.71

The correlation between GAAEX and IWIRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GAAEX vs. IWIRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

IWIRX

IWIRX Risk / Return Rank: 22
IWIRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
IWIRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
IWIRX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
IWIRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
IWIRX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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. IWIRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) and Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund (IWIRX). 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	IWIRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.20	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	1.70	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.21	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	1.60	+1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.28	6.04	+3.25

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAAEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the IWIRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAAEX and IWIRX, 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. IWIRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAAEX drawdown since its inception was -85.83%, which is greater than IWIRX's maximum drawdown of -70.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAAEX and IWIRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAAEX	IWIRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.83%	-70.99%	-14.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.57%	-12.03%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-27.26%	-7.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.64%	-44.99%	+4.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.64%	-44.99%	+4.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.82%	-0.79%	-49.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-63.60%	-21.27%	-42.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.22%	3.19%	+1.03%

Volatility

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Volatility Comparison

Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) has a higher volatility of 8.64% compared to Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund (IWIRX) at 6.39%. This indicates that GAAEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWIRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAAEX	IWIRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.64%	6.39%	+2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.37%	12.93%	+3.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.43%	16.08%	+4.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.64%	24.48%	-1.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.45%	22.86%	-0.41%

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAAEX has a 1.98% expense ratio, which is higher than IWIRX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAAEX vs. IWIRX - Dividend Comparison

GAAEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than IWIRX's 16.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IWIRX Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund	16.01%	16.79%	12.54%	3.85%	12.52%	2.58%	2.65%	4.54%	7.63%	2.27%	0.92%	4.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAAEX and IWIRX in my portfolio?

GAAEX and IWIRX have a correlation of 0.74, 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 IWIRX?

GAAEX has higher volatility (8.64%) compared to IWIRX (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAAEX dropped -85.83% vs IWIRX's -70.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAAEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.20), 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.