GXDW vs. SDMF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GXDW (Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF) and SDMF (Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds - GXDW tracks the Nasdaq Dorsey Wright Thematic Rotation Total Return Index while SDMF tracks the DBi CTA Managed Futures Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GXDW charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SDMF.

Performance

GXDW vs. SDMF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

GXDW

• 1D: -4.79%
• 1M: -7.53%
• YTD: 13.19%
• 6M: 9.90%
• 1Y: 9.86%
• 3Y*: 2.83%
• 5Y*: -10.83%
• 10Y*: —

SDMF

• 1D: -1.31%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GXDW vs. SDMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	14.36%
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between GXDW and SDMF is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	0.21

Return for Risk

GXDW vs. SDMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXDW

GXDW Risk / Return Rank: 14
GXDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
GXDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
GXDW Omega Ratio Rank: 14
GXDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
GXDW Martin Ratio Rank: 13

SDMF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. SDMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) and Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF (SDMF). 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	SDMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.35	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.93	—	—

Drawdowns

GXDW vs. SDMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXDW drawdown since its inception was -67.81%, which is greater than SDMF's maximum drawdown of -6.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXDW and SDMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXDW	SDMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.81%	-6.23%	-61.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-55.26%	-2.72%	-52.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.15%	-2.18%	-40.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.60%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GXDW	SDMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.77%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.56%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.39%	13.16%	+15.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.18%	13.16%	+15.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.87%	13.16%	+16.71%

GXDW vs. SDMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXDW has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SDMF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXDW vs. SDMF - Dividend Comparison

GXDW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, while SDMF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GXDW Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF	1.24%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXDW and SDMF in my portfolio?

GXDW and SDMF have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GXDW or SDMF?

On fees, SDMF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXDW or SDMF?

SDMF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GXDW.

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

GXDW has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.00% for SDMF.

What is the main difference between GXDW and SDMF?

GXDW tracks Nasdaq Dorsey Wright Thematic Rotation Total Return Index, while SDMF tracks DBi CTA Managed Futures Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GXDW and 0.35% for SDMF.