AIA vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50, while XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AIA returned 15.05%/yr vs 30.26%/yr for XSD. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AIA charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

AIA vs. XSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIA achieves a 44.56% return, which is significantly lower than XSD's 88.46% return. Over the past 10 years, AIA has underperformed XSD with an annualized return of 15.05%, while XSD has yielded a comparatively higher 30.26% annualized return.

AIA

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 3.01%
• YTD: 44.56%
• 6M: 50.54%
• 1Y: 80.18%
• 3Y*: 34.57%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

XSD

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 7.35%
• YTD: 88.46%
• 6M: 84.83%
• 1Y: 147.81%
• 3Y*: 40.43%
• 5Y*: 27.60%
• 10Y*: 30.26%

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

AIA vs. XSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	44.56%	47.79%	20.26%	4.32%	-24.08%	-10.91%	33.73%	22.21%	-14.22%	45.00%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	88.46%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%

Correlation

The correlation between AIA and XSD is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2007	0.62

The correlation between AIA and XSD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIA vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIA	XSD
Technology	56.8%	97.8%
Financial Services	19.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Communication Services	8.9%	-
Industrials	2.6%	-
Healthcare	0.9%	-
Energy	0.7%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIA vs. XSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 91
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 92

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

AIA vs. XSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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.

	AIA	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	3.80	-0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	3.94	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.53	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.70	7.99	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.76	26.64	-6.88

AIA vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIA Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is comparable to the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 3.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIA and XSD, 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

AIA vs. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIA drawdown since its inception was -60.89%, smaller than the maximum XSD drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIA and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIA	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.89%	-64.56%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.15%	-18.61%	+4.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.64%	-41.25%	+19.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.11%	-42.27%	-7.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.64%	-42.27%	-12.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.44%	-6.77%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.66%	-13.73%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	5.57%	-1.49%

Volatility

AIA vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) is 14.34%, while SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a volatility of 20.05%. This indicates that AIA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIA	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.34%	20.05%	-5.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.49%	31.79%	-7.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.93%	39.14%	-11.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.96%	38.80%	-12.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.78%	35.26%	-11.48%

AIA vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIA vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

AIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than XSD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.73%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIA and XSD in my portfolio?

AIA and XSD have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIA or XSD?

XSD has higher volatility (20.05%) compared to AIA (14.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIA dropped -60.89% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, AIA or XSD?

On 10-year performance, XSD leads with 30.26% vs 15.05% for AIA. On fees, XSD is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, AIA has been the lower-risk option at 14.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIA or XSD?

Over the 10-year period, XSD has performed better with a 30.26% return vs 15.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIA or XSD?

XSD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for AIA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIA or XSD?

AIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.13% for XSD.

What is the main difference between AIA and XSD?

AIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XSD is Semiconductors. AIA tracks S&P Asia 50, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for AIA and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.80 vs 2.89), 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.