GUSA vs. SAMT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GUSA (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF) and SAMT (Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. GUSA is passively managed, while SAMT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, GUSA returned 22.50%/yr vs 29.20%/yr for SAMT. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GUSA charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for SAMT.

Performance

GUSA vs. SAMT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUSA achieves a 11.29% return, which is significantly lower than SAMT's 21.09% return.

GUSA

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 11.29%
• 6M: 11.21%
• 1Y: 28.15%
• 3Y*: 22.50%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SAMT

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 6.23%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: 24.25%
• 1Y: 43.25%
• 3Y*: 29.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GUSA vs. SAMT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	11.29%	17.51%	24.46%	26.61%	-12.69%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	21.09%	33.10%	28.15%	1.27%	-11.71%

Correlation

The correlation between GUSA and SAMT is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2022	0.79

The correlation between GUSA and SAMT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

GUSA vs. SAMT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GUSA	SAMT
Technology	34.0%	27.8%
Financial Services	11.6%	5.6%
Communication Services	11.1%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	5.6%
Industrials	9.4%	22.0%
Healthcare	8.8%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	12.0%
Energy	3.6%	2.9%
Utilities	2.3%	6.6%
Real Estate	2.2%	2.9%
Basic Materials	2.0%	2.7%

Return for Risk

GUSA vs. SAMT — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUSA

GUSA Risk / Return Rank: 71
GUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
GUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 71
GUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 76

SAMT

SAMT Risk / Return Rank: 80
SAMT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
SAMT Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
SAMT Omega Ratio Rank: 74
SAMT Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SAMT Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

GUSA vs. SAMT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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.

	GUSA	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.60	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.43	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.43	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	5.33	-2.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.45	14.71	-0.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GUSA vs. SAMT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUSA Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the SAMT Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUSA and SAMT, 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

	GUSA	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.60	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.99	-0.10

Drawdowns

GUSA vs. SAMT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUSA drawdown since its inception was -19.61%, roughly equal to the maximum SAMT drawdown of -20.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUSA and SAMT.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUSA	SAMT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.61%	-20.57%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	-8.15%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.61%	-18.27%	-1.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	0.00%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.38%	-7.71%	+3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	2.95%	-1.00%

Volatility

GUSA vs. SAMT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) is 3.03%, while Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) has a volatility of 6.79%. This indicates that GUSA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAMT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUSA	SAMT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.03%	6.79%	-3.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	12.57%	-3.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.20%	16.69%	-4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	16.93%	+0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	16.93%	+0.33%

GUSA vs. SAMT - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUSA has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than SAMT's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUSA vs. SAMT - Dividend Comparison

GUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than SAMT's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	0.96%	0.99%	1.16%	1.36%	1.00%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	0.58%	0.70%	1.40%	1.49%	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUSA and SAMT in my portfolio?

GUSA and SAMT have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GUSA or SAMT?

SAMT has higher volatility (6.79%) compared to GUSA (3.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUSA dropped -19.61% vs SAMT's -20.57%.

Which ETF is better, GUSA or SAMT?

On 3-year performance, SAMT leads with 29.20% vs 22.50% for GUSA. On fees, GUSA is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, GUSA has been the lower-risk option at 3.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUSA or SAMT?

Over the 3-year period, SAMT has performed better with a 29.20% return vs 22.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUSA or SAMT?

GUSA is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GUSA or SAMT?

GUSA has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.58% for SAMT.

What is the main difference between GUSA and SAMT?

They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Strategas. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for GUSA and 0.66% for SAMT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAMT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.32), 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.