GXDW vs. DBMF

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

GXDW (Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF) and DBMF (iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds. GXDW is passively managed, while DBMF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GXDW returned -12.06%/yr vs 8.58%/yr for DBMF. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GXDW charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBMF.

Performance

GXDW vs. DBMF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXDW achieves a 1.70% return, which is significantly lower than DBMF's 11.55% return.

GXDW

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: -11.94%
• 6M: -5.62%
• YTD: 1.70%
• 1Y: -4.05%
• 3Y*: -4.23%
• 5Y*: -12.06%
• 10Y*: —

DBMF

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.16%
• 6M: 8.64%
• YTD: 11.55%
• 1Y: 27.46%
• 3Y*: 9.80%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: —

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

GXDW vs. DBMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	1.70%	3.52%	-3.55%	10.26%	-48.08%	3.21%	61.07%	4.74%
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	11.55%	13.85%	7.24%	-8.94%	21.61%	11.49%	1.80%	0.94%

Correlation

The correlation between GXDW and DBMF is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2019	0.12

Over the past year, GXDW and DBMF have become more correlated (0.41) than their long-term average of 0.12, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

GXDW vs. DBMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXDW

GXDW Risk / Return Rank: 8
GXDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GXDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
GXDW Omega Ratio Rank: 8
GXDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
GXDW Martin Ratio Rank: 8

DBMF

DBMF Risk / Return Rank: 87
DBMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DBMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DBMF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
DBMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DBMF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

GXDW vs. DBMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). 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.

	GXDW	DBMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.14	2.19	-2.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.01	2.87	-2.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.45	-0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.17	4.52	-4.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.36	15.35	-15.70

GXDW vs. DBMF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GXDW Sharpe Ratio is -0.14, which is lower than the DBMF Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GXDW and DBMF, 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

GXDW vs. DBMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXDW drawdown since its inception was -67.81%, which is greater than DBMF's maximum drawdown of -20.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXDW and DBMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXDW	DBMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.81%	-20.39%	-47.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.65%	-6.10%	-18.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.97%	-15.60%	-14.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.17%	-20.39%	-40.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-59.80%	-0.77%	-59.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.27%	-6.51%	-36.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.33%	1.79%	+9.54%

Volatility

GXDW vs. DBMF - Volatility Comparison

Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) has a higher volatility of 10.60% compared to iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) at 2.80%. This indicates that GXDW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBMF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GXDW	DBMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.60%	2.80%	+7.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.42%	10.12%	+13.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.44%	12.61%	+16.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.39%	12.52%	+15.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.92%	12.39%	+17.53%

GXDW vs. DBMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXDW has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than DBMF's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXDW vs. DBMF - Dividend Comparison

GXDW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than DBMF's 5.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.10%	5.91%	5.75%	2.91%	7.72%	10.38%	0.86%	9.35%
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	1.47%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXDW and DBMF in my portfolio?

GXDW and DBMF have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GXDW or DBMF?

GXDW has higher volatility (10.60%) compared to DBMF (2.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GXDW dropped -67.81% vs DBMF's -20.39%.

Which ETF is better, GXDW or DBMF?

On 5-year performance, DBMF leads with 8.58% vs -12.06% for GXDW. On fees, GXDW is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, DBMF has been the lower-risk option at 2.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GXDW or DBMF?

Over the 5-year period, DBMF has performed better with a 8.58% return vs -12.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXDW or DBMF?

GXDW is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBMF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GXDW or DBMF?

DBMF has the higher dividend yield at 5.10%, compared with 1.47% for GXDW.

What is the main difference between GXDW and DBMF?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and iM Global Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GXDW and 0.85% for DBMF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs -0.14), 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.