GAL vs. MKAM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GAL (SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF) and MKAM (MKAM ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, GAL returned 13.27%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for MKAM. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GAL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for MKAM.

Performance

GAL vs. MKAM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) and MKAM ETF (MKAM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAL achieves a 7.11% return, which is significantly higher than MKAM's 3.90% return.

GAL

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 7.11%
• 6M: 6.63%
• 1Y: 17.25%
• 3Y*: 13.27%
• 5Y*: 6.68%
• 10Y*: 8.25%

MKAM

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -0.58%
• YTD: 3.90%
• 6M: 3.53%
• 1Y: 12.35%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GAL vs. MKAM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	7.11%	15.95%	9.85%	8.10%
MKAM MKAM ETF	3.90%	8.07%	12.15%	7.69%

Correlation

The correlation between GAL and MKAM is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2023	0.84

The correlation between GAL and MKAM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GAL vs. MKAM — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAL

GAL Risk / Return Rank: 61
GAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
GAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
GAL Omega Ratio Rank: 61
GAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
GAL Martin Ratio Rank: 66

MKAM

MKAM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MKAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
MKAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
MKAM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
MKAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
MKAM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

GAL vs. MKAM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) and MKAM ETF (MKAM). 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.

	GAL	MKAM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.94	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.67	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.33	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	12.19	-0.73

GAL vs. MKAM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the MKAM Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAL and MKAM, 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

GAL vs. MKAM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAL drawdown since its inception was -28.31%, which is greater than MKAM's maximum drawdown of -5.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAL and MKAM.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAL	MKAM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.31%	-5.01%	-23.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.27%	-3.72%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.12%	-5.01%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.31%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.04%	-1.52%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-1.13%	-2.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.51%	1.02%	+0.49%

Volatility

GAL vs. MKAM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) has a higher volatility of 3.74% compared to MKAM ETF (MKAM) at 2.40%. This indicates that GAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MKAM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAL	MKAM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.74%	2.40%	+1.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	4.94%	+2.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.33%	6.41%	+2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	6.31%	+4.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.39%	6.31%	+5.08%

GAL vs. MKAM - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MKAM's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAL vs. MKAM - Dividend Comparison

GAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.17%, more than MKAM's 2.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	3.17%	3.47%	2.99%	2.56%	6.19%	4.05%	2.14%	2.96%	2.43%	2.26%	2.43%	3.10%
MKAM MKAM ETF	2.94%	2.56%	1.88%	1.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAL and MKAM in my portfolio?

GAL and MKAM have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GAL or MKAM?

GAL has higher volatility (3.74%) compared to MKAM (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAL dropped -28.31% vs MKAM's -5.01%.

Which ETF is better, GAL or MKAM?

On 3-year performance, GAL leads with 13.27% vs 9.64% for MKAM. On fees, GAL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MKAM has been the lower-risk option at 2.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GAL or MKAM?

Over the 3-year period, GAL has performed better with a 13.27% return vs 9.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAL or MKAM?

GAL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for MKAM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GAL or MKAM?

GAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.17%, compared with 2.94% for MKAM.

What is the main difference between GAL and MKAM?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and MKAM. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GAL and 0.96% for MKAM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.86), 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.