AVMA vs GAL
Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF vs State Street Global Allocation ETF
Which is better, AVMA or GAL?
Nearly the same fund. AVMA costs less.
AVMA has a lower expense ratio. AVMA led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. GAL is less concentrated, with 85.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 92.3%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVMA | GAL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.21%Best | 0.35% |
| AUM | $94M | $320M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.48% | 3.24% |
| Holdings | 19 | 36 |
| YTD Return | +10.27%Best | +7.99% |
| 1Y Return | +15.01%Best | +11.51% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.97%Best | +14.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +6.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.4% | 8.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $15,427Best | $14,694 |
| Top 10 Weight | 92.3% | 85.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Allocation/Balanced |
| Style | Allocation/Balanced | Allocation/Balanced |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2023 | Apr 25, 2012 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 29, 2023 to Oct 13, 2026 (3.3 years).
AVMA vs GAL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.3 years both funds cover.
AVMA vs GAL Performance
Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA) is an ETF from Avantis Investors and State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AVMA returned +15.01% while GAL returned +11.51%. Year to date, AVMA is up 10.27% versus a gain of 7.99% for GAL.
Over three years, AVMA compounded at +15.97% per year against +14.55% for GAL.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.4% compared with 8.3% for GAL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.8% for AVMA and -9.1% for GAL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVMA charges 0.21% per year while GAL charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $21 vs $35 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVMA currently yields 2.48% against 3.24% for GAL.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 18 holdings in AVMA and 17 in GAL, totalling 100.0% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 18 positions we hold weights for in AVMA and 17 in GAL, against full books of 19 and 36.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 18 and 17 positions we hold weights for.
GAL holds 17 positions AVMA does not, 100.0% of the fund.
Largest: SPY 24.92%, SPAB 15.45%, SPDW 13.43%, SPEM 8.99%, CERY 5.04%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AVMA and GAL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVMA or GAL?
AVMA has an expense ratio of 0.21% while GAL charges 0.35%. AVMA is the cheaper option, by $14 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AVMA or GAL?
Over the past year AVMA returned +15.01% vs +11.51% for GAL, so AVMA leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AVMA or GAL?
AVMA has been the more volatile fund at 9.4% annualized versus 8.3% for GAL. Worst drawdown: AVMA -11.8% vs GAL -9.1%.
Should I hold both AVMA and GAL?
AVMA and GAL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVMA or GAL?
AVMA yields 2.48% while GAL yields 3.24%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GAL better than AVMA?
AVMA has a lower expense ratio. AVMA led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. GAL is less concentrated, with 85.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 92.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.