GAEM vs. CDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GAEM (Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF) and CDX (Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GAEM is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify, while CDX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GAEM returned 13.15% vs -1.77% for CDX. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GAEM charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for CDX.

Performance

GAEM vs. CDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) and Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAEM achieves a 3.26% return, which is significantly higher than CDX's -2.44% return.

GAEM

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 3.26%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 13.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CDX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.71%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.70%
• 1Y: -1.77%
• 3Y*: 7.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GAEM vs. CDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GAEM Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF	3.26%	13.55%	3.72%
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	-2.44%	9.51%	-0.61%

Correlation

The correlation between GAEM and CDX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2024	0.32

Return for Risk

GAEM vs. CDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAEM

GAEM Risk / Return Rank: 84
GAEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
GAEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
GAEM Omega Ratio Rank: 89
GAEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
GAEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

CDX

CDX Risk / Return Rank: 5
CDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

GAEM vs. CDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) and Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX). 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.

	GAEM	CDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.81	-0.31	+3.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.48	-0.40	+4.88
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	0.95	+0.62
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.66	-0.43	+4.08
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.69	-1.00	+17.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GAEM vs. CDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.81, which is higher than the CDX Sharpe Ratio of -0.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAEM and CDX, 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

	GAEM	CDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.81	-0.31	+3.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.33	0.38	+1.95

Drawdowns

GAEM vs. CDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAEM drawdown since its inception was -3.84%, smaller than the maximum CDX drawdown of -13.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAEM and CDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAEM	CDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.84%	-13.24%	+9.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.61%	-4.18%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-8.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-7.41%	+7.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-4.34%	+3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	1.77%	-0.98%

Volatility

GAEM vs. CDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) is 1.33%, while Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) has a volatility of 1.61%. This indicates that GAEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAEM	CDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	1.61%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.74%	4.72%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.71%	5.69%	-0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.96%	11.10%	-6.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.96%	11.10%	-6.14%

GAEM vs. CDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAEM has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than CDX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAEM vs. CDX - Dividend Comparison

GAEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.54%, less than CDX's 8.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	8.37%	7.18%	12.60%	5.26%	7.51%
GAEM Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF	7.54%	6.50%	3.78%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAEM and CDX in my portfolio?

GAEM and CDX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GAEM or CDX?

CDX has higher volatility (1.61%) compared to GAEM (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAEM dropped -3.84% vs CDX's -13.24%.

Which ETF is better, GAEM or CDX?

On 1-year performance, GAEM leads with 13.15% vs -1.77% for CDX. On fees, CDX is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, GAEM has been the lower-risk option at 1.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GAEM or CDX?

Over the 1-year period, GAEM has performed better with a 13.15% return vs -1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAEM or CDX?

CDX is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for GAEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GAEM or CDX?

CDX has the higher dividend yield at 8.37%, compared with 7.54% for GAEM.

What is the main difference between GAEM and CDX?

GAEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while CDX is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for GAEM and 0.26% for CDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs -0.31), 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.