GAL vs. SPYD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GAL (SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF) and SPYD (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GAL is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by State Street, while SPYD is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 High Dividend Index. GAL is actively managed, while SPYD is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GAL returned 8.23%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for SPYD. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPYD.

Performance

GAL vs. SPYD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAL achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly lower than SPYD's 10.34% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GAL having a 8.23% annualized return and SPYD not far ahead at 8.59%.

GAL

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 9.29%
• 1Y: 20.19%
• 3Y*: 14.04%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 8.23%

SPYD

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 10.34%
• 6M: 10.97%
• 1Y: 16.38%
• 3Y*: 14.37%
• 5Y*: 6.76%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

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

GAL vs. SPYD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	8.72%	15.95%	9.85%	13.32%	-13.41%	12.23%	9.33%	19.59%	-7.71%	18.67%
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	10.34%	4.65%	15.34%	3.91%	-1.17%	32.73%	-11.64%	21.20%	-4.89%	12.67%

Correlation

The correlation between GAL and SPYD is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2015	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between GAL and SPYD has dropped to 0.47 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GAL vs. SPYD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GAL	SPYD
Technology	27.2%	2.7%
Financial Services	15.8%	12.1%
Industrials	12.2%	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	6.5%
Healthcare	7.8%	5.2%
Communication Services	7.7%	5.1%
Basic Materials	5.0%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	16.3%
Energy	4.3%	9.2%
Real Estate	2.7%	25.8%
Utilities	2.6%	11.4%

Return for Risk

GAL vs. SPYD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAL

GAL Risk / Return Rank: 70
GAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
GAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GAL Omega Ratio Rank: 71
GAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
GAL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPYD

SPYD Risk / Return Rank: 41
SPYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SPYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SPYD Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SPYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SPYD Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. SPYD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). 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.

	GAL	SPYD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	1.42	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.15	+1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.24	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	2.33	+0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.83	6.77	+7.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GAL vs. SPYD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is higher than the SPYD Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAL and SPYD, 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

	GAL	SPYD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	1.42	+0.91
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67	0.42	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73	0.44	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.69	0.47	+0.23

Drawdowns

GAL vs. SPYD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAL drawdown since its inception was -28.31%, smaller than the maximum SPYD drawdown of -46.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAL and SPYD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAL	SPYD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.31%	-46.42%	+18.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.27%	-7.05%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.12%	-16.13%	+7.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.14%	-22.25%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.31%	-46.42%	+18.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-1.11%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-6.17%	+2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.46%	2.43%	-0.97%

Volatility

GAL vs. SPYD - Volatility Comparison

SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF (GAL) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) have volatilities of 2.66% and 2.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAL	SPYD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	2.57%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.01%	7.71%	-0.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.73%	11.62%	-2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.43%	16.13%	-5.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.37%	19.78%	-8.41%

GAL vs. SPYD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYD's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAL vs. SPYD - Dividend Comparison

GAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.13%, less than SPYD's 4.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAL SPDR SSgA Global Allocation ETF	3.13%	3.47%	2.99%	2.56%	6.19%	4.05%	2.14%	2.96%	2.43%	2.26%	2.43%	3.10%
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	4.21%	4.52%	4.31%	4.66%	5.01%	3.68%	4.95%	4.42%	4.75%	4.63%	4.34%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAL and SPYD in my portfolio?

GAL and SPYD have a correlation of 0.47, 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 SPYD?

GAL has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to SPYD (2.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAL dropped -28.31% vs SPYD's -46.42%.

Which ETF is better, GAL or SPYD?

On 10-year performance, SPYD leads with 8.59% vs 8.23% for GAL. On fees, SPYD is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GAL or SPYD?

Over the 10-year period, SPYD has performed better with a 8.59% return vs 8.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAL or SPYD?

SPYD is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for GAL.

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

SPYD has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 3.13% for GAL.

What is the main difference between GAL and SPYD?

GAL is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while SPYD is S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GAL and 0.07% for SPYD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.42), 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.