PYSGX vs. GPARX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PYSGX (Payden Strategic Income Fund) and GPARX (GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, PYSGX returned 3.38%/yr vs 3.17%/yr for GPARX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PYSGX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for GPARX.

Performance

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Payden Strategic Income Fund (PYSGX) and GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund (GPARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PYSGX achieves a 0.94% return, which is significantly lower than GPARX's 6.02% return. Over the past 10 years, PYSGX has outperformed GPARX with an annualized return of 3.38%, while GPARX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.17% annualized return.

PYSGX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 4.83%
• 3Y*: 5.95%
• 5Y*: 2.71%
• 10Y*: 3.38%

GPARX

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: -3.22%
• YTD: 6.02%
• 6M: 5.36%
• 1Y: 10.43%
• 3Y*: 7.31%
• 5Y*: 2.51%
• 10Y*: 3.17%

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

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PYSGX Payden Strategic Income Fund	0.94%	6.85%	5.46%	7.42%	-6.61%	1.72%	6.20%	8.33%	-0.52%	4.24%
GPARX GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund	6.02%	7.42%	4.20%	6.87%	-10.82%	0.75%	3.92%	7.47%	-1.64%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between PYSGX and GPARX 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	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2015	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between PYSGX and GPARX has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PYSGX vs. GPARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PYSGX

PYSGX Risk / Return Rank: 74
PYSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PYSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
PYSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
PYSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PYSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

GPARX

GPARX Risk / Return Rank: 42
GPARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GPARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GPARX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
GPARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
GPARX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Payden Strategic Income Fund (PYSGX) and GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund (GPARX). 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.

	PYSGX	GPARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.47	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	1.94	+1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.31	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	2.24	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.80	8.88	+0.93

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PYSGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the GPARX Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PYSGX and GPARX, 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

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PYSGX drawdown since its inception was -12.70%, smaller than the maximum GPARX drawdown of -15.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PYSGX and GPARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PYSGX	GPARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.70%	-15.56%	+2.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.95%	-4.68%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.22%	-4.68%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.97%	-15.56%	+5.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-12.70%	-15.56%	+2.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-4.22%	+4.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.39%	-2.38%	+0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.50%	1.18%	-0.68%

Volatility

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Payden Strategic Income Fund (PYSGX) is 0.71%, while GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund (GPARX) has a volatility of 2.84%. This indicates that PYSGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GPARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PYSGX	GPARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	2.84%	-2.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.77%	6.57%	-4.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19%	7.14%	-4.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.90%	5.16%	-2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.85%	4.33%	-1.48%

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PYSGX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than GPARX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

PYSGX vs. GPARX - Dividend Comparison

PYSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, more than GPARX's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GPARX GuidePath Absolute Return Allocation Fund	3.12%	3.31%	4.99%	4.81%	2.42%	1.99%	2.45%	2.76%	2.27%	1.60%	3.17%	2.15%
PYSGX Payden Strategic Income Fund	4.75%	5.15%	5.22%	4.42%	3.76%	3.38%	2.90%	3.25%	3.27%	2.75%	2.70%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PYSGX and GPARX in my portfolio?

PYSGX and GPARX 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, PYSGX or GPARX?

GPARX has higher volatility (2.84%) compared to PYSGX (0.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PYSGX dropped -12.70% vs GPARX's -15.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PYSGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.47), 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.