SYLD vs. GAA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYLD (Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF) and GAA (Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SYLD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Cambria, while GAA is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Cambria. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, SYLD returned 12.98%/yr vs 7.72%/yr for GAA. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SYLD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for GAA.

Performance

SYLD vs. GAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) 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, SYLD achieves a 13.63% return, which is significantly higher than GAA's 9.39% return. Over the past 10 years, SYLD has outperformed GAA with an annualized return of 12.98%, while GAA has yielded a comparatively lower 7.72% annualized return.

SYLD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 13.63%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 5.75%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

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)

SYLD vs. GAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	13.63%	3.94%	3.37%	16.46%	-6.14%	48.59%	13.61%	26.98%	-13.51%	20.03%
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 SYLD and GAA is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2014	0.55

The correlation between SYLD and GAA shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.56 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SYLD vs. GAA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SYLD	GAA
Consumer Cyclical	22.9%	8.5%
Financial Services	22.7%	17.5%
Energy	17.7%	13.2%
Industrials	8.1%	14.2%
Basic Materials	7.9%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	3.5%
Communication Services	6.0%	4.0%
Healthcare	5.6%	3.2%
Technology	2.3%	8.7%
Real Estate	-	13.9%
Utilities	-	3.8%

Return for Risk

SYLD vs. GAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYLD

SYLD Risk / Return Rank: 55
SYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

SYLD vs. GAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) 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.

	SYLD	GAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.48	-0.83
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.50	-0.96
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.46	-0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	3.93	-0.23
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.02	15.04	-5.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SYLD vs. GAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SYLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is lower than the GAA Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SYLD 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

	SYLD	GAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.65	2.48	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.57	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	0.70	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.63	-0.06

Drawdowns

SYLD vs. GAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYLD drawdown since its inception was -45.36%, which is greater than GAA's maximum drawdown of -26.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYLD and GAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYLD	GAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.36%	-26.57%	-18.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.93%	-5.78%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.62%	-7.18%	-19.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.62%	-18.47%	-8.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.36%	-26.57%	-18.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-0.66%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.66%	-3.85%	-1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	1.51%	+1.04%

Volatility

SYLD vs. GAA - Volatility Comparison

Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) has a higher volatility of 3.13% compared to Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) at 2.60%. This indicates that SYLD'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

	SYLD	GAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	2.60%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.94%	7.41%	+2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.55%	9.19%	+6.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.62%	11.28%	+9.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.96%	11.09%	+11.87%

SYLD vs. GAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYLD has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GAA's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYLD vs. GAA - Dividend Comparison

SYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, less 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%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	1.86%	2.25%	2.04%	1.92%	2.20%	2.37%	1.99%	2.08%	2.52%	1.57%	1.92%	6.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYLD and GAA in my portfolio?

SYLD and GAA have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SYLD or GAA?

SYLD has higher volatility (3.13%) compared to GAA (2.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SYLD dropped -45.36% vs GAA's -26.57%.

Which ETF is better, SYLD or GAA?

On 10-year performance, SYLD leads with 12.98% vs 7.72% for GAA. 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, SYLD or GAA?

Over the 10-year period, SYLD has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 7.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYLD or GAA?

GAA is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SYLD.

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

GAA has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 1.86% for SYLD.

What is the main difference between SYLD and GAA?

SYLD is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while GAA is Diversified Portfolio. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SYLD and 0.41% for GAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.65), 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.