GIAX vs. PEPS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GIAX (Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF) and PEPS (Parametric Equity Plus ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GIAX returned 31.82% vs 31.83% for PEPS. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GIAX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for PEPS.

Performance

GIAX vs. PEPS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) and Parametric Equity Plus ETF (PEPS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GIAX achieves a 22.12% return, which is significantly higher than PEPS's 10.67% return.

GIAX

• 1D: -2.89%
• 1M: 12.88%
• YTD: 22.12%
• 6M: 19.89%
• 1Y: 31.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEPS

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 6.44%
• YTD: 10.67%
• 6M: 10.79%
• 1Y: 31.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GIAX vs. PEPS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GIAX Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF	22.12%	11.73%	-2.88%
PEPS Parametric Equity Plus ETF	10.67%	20.32%	-1.45%

Correlation

The correlation between GIAX and PEPS is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2024	0.83

The correlation between GIAX and PEPS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GIAX vs. PEPS — Risk / Return Rank

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

GIAX

GIAX Risk / Return Rank: 41
GIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
GIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
GIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
GIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
GIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

PEPS

PEPS Risk / Return Rank: 73
PEPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
PEPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
PEPS Omega Ratio Rank: 75
PEPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
PEPS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

GIAX vs. PEPS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) and Parametric Equity Plus ETF (PEPS). 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.

	GIAX	PEPS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	2.45	-0.98
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	3.22	-1.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.45	-0.18
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	3.26	-1.45
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.84	15.28	-7.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GIAX vs. PEPS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the PEPS Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GIAX and PEPS, 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

	GIAX	PEPS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.47	2.45	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	1.05	-0.08

Drawdowns

GIAX vs. PEPS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GIAX drawdown since its inception was -20.38%, roughly equal to the maximum PEPS drawdown of -21.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GIAX and PEPS.

Drawdown Indicators

	GIAX	PEPS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.38%	-21.26%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.62%	-9.80%	-7.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.89%	-0.51%	-2.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-2.77%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.07%	2.09%	+1.98%

Volatility

GIAX vs. PEPS - Volatility Comparison

Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) has a higher volatility of 8.06% compared to Parametric Equity Plus ETF (PEPS) at 2.77%. This indicates that GIAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PEPS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GIAX	PEPS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.06%	2.77%	+5.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.80%	9.83%	+9.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.77%	13.06%	+8.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.46%	18.31%	+3.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.46%	18.31%	+3.15%

GIAX vs. PEPS - Expense Ratio Comparison

GIAX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than PEPS's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

GIAX vs. PEPS - Dividend Comparison

GIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.33%, more than PEPS's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GIAX Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF	22.33%	25.62%	10.58%
PEPS Parametric Equity Plus ETF	0.88%	1.00%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GIAX and PEPS in my portfolio?

GIAX and PEPS have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GIAX or PEPS?

GIAX has higher volatility (8.06%) compared to PEPS (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GIAX dropped -20.38% vs PEPS's -21.26%.

Which ETF is better, GIAX or PEPS?

On 1-year performance, PEPS leads with 31.83% vs 31.82% for GIAX. On fees, PEPS is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, PEPS has been the lower-risk option at 2.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GIAX or PEPS?

Over the 1-year period, PEPS has performed better with a 31.83% return vs 31.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GIAX or PEPS?

PEPS is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for GIAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GIAX or PEPS?

GIAX has the higher dividend yield at 22.33%, compared with 0.88% for PEPS.

What is the main difference between GIAX and PEPS?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and Parametric. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for GIAX and 0.10% for PEPS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEPS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.47), 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.