GYLD vs. GAA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GYLD (Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF) and GAA (Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. GYLD is passively managed, while GAA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GYLD returned 4.68%/yr vs 7.72%/yr for GAA. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GYLD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for GAA.

Performance

GYLD vs. GAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) and Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GYLD achieves a 7.91% return, which is significantly lower than GAA's 9.39% return. Over the past 10 years, GYLD has underperformed GAA with an annualized return of 4.68%, while GAA has yielded a comparatively higher 7.72% annualized return.

GYLD

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 7.91%
• 6M: 10.25%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 15.50%
• 5Y*: 6.21%
• 10Y*: 4.68%

GAA

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 11.23%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 14.43%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

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

GYLD vs. GAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GYLD Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF	7.91%	19.85%	3.83%	10.36%	-7.73%	18.03%	-11.17%	13.29%	-9.97%	4.33%
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	9.39%	18.76%	6.67%	7.65%	-8.47%	11.17%	9.11%	15.12%	-7.15%	15.11%

Correlation

The correlation between GYLD and GAA is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2014	0.44

The correlation between GYLD and GAA shifts across timeframes, from 0.30 (3 years) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GYLD vs. GAA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GYLD	GAA
Real Estate	34.8%	13.9%
Energy	30.0%	13.2%
Financial Services	12.0%	17.5%
Basic Materials	7.5%	9.7%
Utilities	4.6%	3.8%
Industrials	4.3%	14.2%
Communication Services	2.7%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.5%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.6%	3.5%
Healthcare	-	3.2%
Technology	-	8.7%

Return for Risk

GYLD vs. GAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GYLD

GYLD Risk / Return Rank: 45
GYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
GYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

GAA

GAA Risk / Return Rank: 76
GAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
GAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
GAA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
GAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
GAA 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.

GYLD vs. GAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) and Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA). 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.

	GYLD	GAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	2.48	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	3.50	-1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.46	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	3.93	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.19	15.04	-5.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GYLD vs. GAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GYLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is lower than the GAA Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GYLD and GAA, 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

	GYLD	GAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.26	2.48	-1.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.57	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	0.70	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.63	-0.43

Drawdowns

GYLD vs. GAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GYLD drawdown since its inception was -55.03%, which is greater than GAA's maximum drawdown of -26.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GYLD and GAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GYLD	GAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.03%	-26.57%	-28.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.86%	-5.78%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.37%	-7.18%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.24%	-18.47%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.89%	-26.57%	-21.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.71%	-0.66%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.41%	-3.85%	-10.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	1.51%	+0.23%

Volatility

GYLD vs. GAA - Volatility Comparison

Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) has a higher volatility of 3.16% compared to Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) at 2.60%. This indicates that GYLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GAA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GYLD	GAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.16%	2.60%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.39%	7.41%	+1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.78%	9.19%	+3.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.79%	11.28%	+2.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	11.09%	+5.49%

GYLD vs. GAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GYLD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than GAA's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

GYLD vs. GAA - Dividend Comparison

GYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.37%, more than GAA's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	3.59%	4.24%	3.88%	3.73%	6.05%	4.21%	2.73%	3.32%	3.01%	2.36%	2.82%	2.49%
GYLD Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF	7.37%	8.43%	12.90%	7.13%	4.64%	5.50%	7.42%	5.83%	8.17%	6.78%	7.29%	10.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GYLD and GAA in my portfolio?

GYLD and GAA have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GYLD or GAA?

GYLD has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to GAA (2.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GYLD dropped -55.03% vs GAA's -26.57%.

Which ETF is better, GYLD or GAA?

On 10-year performance, GAA leads with 7.72% vs 4.68% for GYLD. On fees, GAA is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, GAA has been the lower-risk option at 2.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GYLD or GAA?

Over the 10-year period, GAA has performed better with a 7.72% return vs 4.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GYLD or GAA?

GAA is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GYLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GYLD or GAA?

GYLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.37%, compared with 3.59% for GAA.

What is the main difference between GYLD and GAA?

They also come from different issuers: Arrow Funds and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GYLD and 0.41% for GAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.26), 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.