ORBX vs. GCAD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ORBX (Global X Space Tech ETF) and GCAD (Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. ORBX is passively managed, while GCAD is actively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ORBX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for GCAD.

Performance

ORBX vs. GCAD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) and Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ORBX

• 1D: -4.24%
• 1M: -26.02%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GCAD

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 5.27%
• YTD: 18.85%
• 6M: 16.83%
• 1Y: 39.72%
• 3Y*: 34.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ORBX vs. GCAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	0.02%
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	2.40%

Correlation

The correlation between ORBX and GCAD is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2026	0.59

Return for Risk

ORBX vs. GCAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ORBX

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

GCAD

GCAD Risk / Return Rank: 59
GCAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
GCAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GCAD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
GCAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
GCAD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

ORBX vs. GCAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) and Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD). 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.

	ORBX	GCAD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.96	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.92	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.35	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.67	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.12	—

Drawdowns

ORBX vs. GCAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ORBX drawdown since its inception was -34.19%, which is greater than GCAD's maximum drawdown of -16.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ORBX and GCAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ORBX	GCAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.19%	-16.14%	-18.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.96%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.19%	-2.01%	-32.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.57%	-3.01%	-7.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.37%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ORBX	GCAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.43%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.60%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	82.60%	20.38%	+62.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	82.60%	18.76%	+63.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.60%	18.76%	+63.84%

ORBX vs. GCAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ORBX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GCAD's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

ORBX vs. GCAD - Dividend Comparison

ORBX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GCAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	1.73%	2.06%	4.94%	3.62%
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ORBX and GCAD in my portfolio?

ORBX and GCAD have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ORBX or GCAD?

On fees, GCAD is cheaper at 0.00% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ORBX or GCAD?

GCAD is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ORBX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ORBX or GCAD?

GCAD has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.00% for ORBX.

What is the main difference between ORBX and GCAD?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ORBX and 0.00% for GCAD.