GSIT vs. GAAEX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSIT (GSI Technology, Inc.) is a stock, while GAAEX (Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund) is Global Equities fund managed by Guinness Atkinson. Over the past 10 years, GSIT returned 5.69%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for GAAEX. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSIT achieves a 10.63% return, which is significantly lower than GAAEX's 17.64% return. Over the past 10 years, GSIT has underperformed GAAEX with an annualized return of 5.69%, while GAAEX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.50% annualized return.

GSIT

• 1D: -6.66%
• 1M: -28.88%
• YTD: 10.63%
• 6M: 13.37%
• 1Y: 111.38%
• 3Y*: 1.40%
• 5Y*: 3.80%
• 10Y*: 5.69%

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%

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

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSIT GSI Technology, Inc.	10.63%	104.95%	14.77%	52.60%	-62.63%	-37.43%	4.37%	37.94%	-35.43%	28.39%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between GSIT and GAAEX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 29, 2007	0.30

The correlation between GSIT and GAAEX shifts across timeframes, from 0.30 (all time) to 0.41 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GSIT vs. GAAEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSIT

GSIT Risk / Return Rank: 74
GSIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
GSIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
GSIT Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GSIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
GSIT Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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

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.

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GSI Technology, Inc. (GSIT) and Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX). 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.

	GSIT	GAAEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	1.92	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	2.61	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.69	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.83	9.28	-6.46

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSIT Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the GAAEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSIT and GAAEX, 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

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSIT drawdown since its inception was -85.53%, roughly equal to the maximum GAAEX drawdown of -85.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSIT and GAAEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSIT	GAAEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.53%	-85.83%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-63.07%	-14.57%	-48.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-72.69%	-35.21%	-37.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-80.39%	-40.64%	-39.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-84.47%	-40.64%	-43.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.03%	-49.82%	+2.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.02%	-63.60%	+20.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	39.53%	4.22%	+35.31%

Volatility

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Volatility Comparison

GSI Technology, Inc. (GSIT) has a higher volatility of 29.42% compared to Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) at 8.64%. This indicates that GSIT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GAAEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSIT	GAAEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	29.42%	8.64%	+20.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	89.77%	16.37%	+73.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	195.06%	20.43%	+174.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	151.41%	22.64%	+128.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	112.04%	22.45%	+89.59%

Dividends

GSIT vs. GAAEX - Dividend Comparison

GSIT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GAAEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
GSIT GSI Technology, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSIT and GAAEX in my portfolio?

GSIT and GAAEX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSIT or GAAEX?

GSIT has higher volatility (29.42%) compared to GAAEX (8.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSIT dropped -85.53% vs GAAEX's -85.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAAEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.57), 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.