GVAL vs. SYLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GVAL (Cambria Global Value ETF) and SYLD (Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GVAL is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Cambria, while SYLD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Cambria. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GVAL returned 10.76%/yr vs 12.98%/yr for SYLD. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GVAL charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SYLD.

Performance

GVAL vs. SYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GVAL achieves a 14.37% return, which is significantly higher than SYLD's 13.63% return. Over the past 10 years, GVAL has underperformed SYLD with an annualized return of 10.76%, while SYLD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.98% annualized return.

GVAL

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 14.37%
• 6M: 15.35%
• 1Y: 39.69%
• 3Y*: 26.42%
• 5Y*: 13.14%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

SYLD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 13.63%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 5.75%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

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

GVAL vs. SYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	14.37%	55.87%	2.59%	13.30%	-7.98%	10.70%	-8.51%	17.24%	-14.30%	29.50%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	13.63%	3.94%	3.37%	16.46%	-6.14%	48.59%	13.61%	26.98%	-13.51%	20.03%

Correlation

The correlation between GVAL and SYLD is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2014	0.58

The correlation between GVAL and SYLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.58 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GVAL vs. SYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GVAL	SYLD
Financial Services	16.4%	22.7%
Basic Materials	8.2%	7.9%
Energy	7.8%	17.7%
Real Estate	7.0%	-
Technology	6.4%	2.3%
Communication Services	4.6%	6.0%
Utilities	4.1%	-
Industrials	3.6%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	22.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	6.8%
Healthcare	-	5.6%

Return for Risk

GVAL vs. SYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVAL

GVAL Risk / Return Rank: 77
GVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
GVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
GVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 81
GVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
GVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

SYLD

SYLD Risk / Return Rank: 55
SYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

GVAL vs. SYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). 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.

	GVAL	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	1.65	+1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.64	2.54	+1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.29	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	3.70	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	10.02	+3.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GVAL vs. SYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is higher than the SYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVAL and SYLD, 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

	GVAL	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.75	1.65	+1.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.28	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56	0.57	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.57	-0.22

Drawdowns

GVAL vs. SYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVAL drawdown since its inception was -46.82%, roughly equal to the maximum SYLD drawdown of -45.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVAL and SYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVAL	SYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.82%	-45.36%	-1.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.50%	-6.93%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.72%	-26.62%	+10.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.83%	-26.62%	-4.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.82%	-45.36%	-1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-1.31%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.88%	-5.66%	-8.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.55%	+0.44%

Volatility

GVAL vs. SYLD - Volatility Comparison

Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) has a higher volatility of 5.10% compared to Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) at 3.13%. This indicates that GVAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GVAL	SYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	3.13%	+1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.72%	9.94%	+2.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.52%	15.55%	-1.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	20.62%	-2.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.21%	22.96%	-3.75%

GVAL vs. SYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVAL has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than SYLD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

GVAL vs. SYLD - Dividend Comparison

GVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, more than SYLD's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	2.83%	2.93%	4.75%	6.12%	5.05%	2.97%	1.90%	2.84%	4.65%	2.00%	2.54%	2.11%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	1.86%	2.25%	2.04%	1.92%	2.20%	2.37%	1.99%	2.08%	2.52%	1.57%	1.92%	6.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GVAL and SYLD in my portfolio?

GVAL and SYLD have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVAL or SYLD?

GVAL has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to SYLD (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVAL dropped -46.82% vs SYLD's -45.36%.

Which ETF is better, GVAL or SYLD?

On 10-year performance, SYLD leads with 12.98% vs 10.76% for GVAL. On fees, SYLD is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, SYLD has been the lower-risk option at 3.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GVAL or SYLD?

Over the 10-year period, SYLD has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 10.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVAL or SYLD?

SYLD is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for GVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GVAL or SYLD?

GVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 1.86% for SYLD.

What is the main difference between GVAL and SYLD?

GVAL is categorized as Global Equities, while SYLD is Mid Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for GVAL and 0.59% for SYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 1.65), 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.