PPA vs. GCAD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) and GCAD (Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. PPA is passively managed, while GCAD is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PPA returned 28.92%/yr vs 33.27%/yr for GCAD. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PPA charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for GCAD.

Performance

PPA vs. GCAD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPA achieves a 8.54% return, which is significantly lower than GCAD's 14.09% return.

PPA

• 1D: -1.74%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 8.54%
• 6M: 13.46%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 28.92%
• 5Y*: 17.82%
• 10Y*: 17.38%

GCAD

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 5.29%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 19.16%
• 1Y: 35.52%
• 3Y*: 33.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PPA vs. GCAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	8.54%	37.15%	25.28%	17.68%
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	14.09%	39.28%	26.61%	17.61%

Correlation

The correlation between PPA and GCAD is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2023	0.91

The correlation between PPA and GCAD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

PPA vs. GCAD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PPA	GCAD
Industrials	90.1%	78.6%
Technology	9.8%	3.3%
Communication Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.7%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PPA vs. GCAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 37
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 35
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 36

GCAD

GCAD Risk / Return Rank: 52
GCAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GCAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GCAD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
GCAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
GCAD Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

PPA vs. GCAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) 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.

	PPA	GCAD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.86	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.70	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.32	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	2.38	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.68	8.24	-2.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PPA vs. GCAD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPA Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the GCAD Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPA and GCAD, 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

	PPA	GCAD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	1.86	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	1.56	-0.91

Drawdowns

PPA vs. GCAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPA drawdown since its inception was -57.37%, which is greater than GCAD's maximum drawdown of -16.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPA and GCAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPA	GCAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.37%	-16.14%	-41.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-14.96%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.24%	-16.14%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.40%	-5.92%	-2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.18%	-3.03%	-6.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	4.32%	+0.37%

Volatility

PPA vs. GCAD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) is 6.73%, while Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD) has a volatility of 7.14%. This indicates that PPA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GCAD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPA	GCAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.73%	7.14%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.95%	16.33%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.03%	19.25%	-0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.49%	18.49%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.64%	18.49%	+2.15%

PPA vs. GCAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPA has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than GCAD's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPA vs. GCAD - Dividend Comparison

PPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than GCAD's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF	1.81%	2.06%	4.94%	3.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.39%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPA and GCAD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PPA and GCAD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PPA or GCAD?

GCAD has higher volatility (7.14%) compared to PPA (6.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPA dropped -57.37% vs GCAD's -16.14%.

Which ETF is better, PPA or GCAD?

On 3-year performance, GCAD leads with 33.27% vs 28.92% for PPA. On fees, GCAD is cheaper at 0.00% per year. On volatility, PPA has been the lower-risk option at 6.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPA or GCAD?

Over the 3-year period, GCAD has performed better with a 33.27% return vs 28.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPA or GCAD?

GCAD is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PPA.

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

GCAD has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.39% for PPA.

What is the main difference between PPA and GCAD?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for PPA and 0.00% for GCAD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.40), 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.