ETF Education Report: GAID

What this ETF is trying to do

The GUINNESS ATKINSON INTERNATIONAL DIVIDEND BUILDER ETF (ticker: GAID) is an exchange-traded fund listed on the NYSE. While the specific investment strategy is not detailed in the provided data, ETFs like this generally aim to provide exposure to international companies.

What the numbers show

As of July 1, 2026, the current share price for GAID is $24.68. When looking at how the fund has performed this year, we look at two different types of returns:

• Year-to-Date (YTD) Price Return: This measures only the change in the share price. The YTD price return is approximately -2.02%.

• Year-to-Date (YTD) Total Return: This figure reflects the overall return, which includes the impact of distributions. The YTD total return is approximately -1.32%.

Because the total return (-1.32%) is different from the price return (-2.02%), it shows that distributions helped offset some of the share-price decline.

Income and distribution explanation

This ETF provides cash distributions to investors. The distribution yield is approximately 0.65%. It is important to understand that a distribution yield is not the same as a total return. The yield describes the cash paid out relative to the current share price.

The data shows that there was one distribution in the last 12 months, and the frequency is described as "irregular" or "less frequent." Distributions provide cash income, but they do not guarantee that your original investment (your principal) will stay the same value.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV" stands for Net Asset Value, which is the actual value of the assets held by the fund. "NAV erosion" happens when the value of those underlying assets decreases over time.

For this ETF, the erosion-risk score is not available because there is insufficient verified price history. Because the erosion severity is listed as "unknown" and there is no severe erosion-risk flag, we cannot determine if there is a specific risk of NAV erosion based on the provided data.

Pros

• The fund provides a distribution yield, which can offer cash income to investors.

• The total return was slightly higher than the price return this year, meaning distributions helped cushion the share-price decline.

Cons

• The fund has experienced a negative YTD price return and a negative YTD total return.

• The distribution frequency is irregular, meaning investors cannot rely on a steady, predictable schedule of cash payments.

Beginner takeaway

When looking at ETFs, it is important to distinguish between the share price and the total return. A falling share price means the price return is negative, but if the fund pays out distributions, the total return might look different. Always remember that receiving cash distributions does not protect you from a declining share price.