AIFD vs. SLNZ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AIFD (TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF) and SLNZ (TCW Senior Loan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIFD is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by TCW, while SLNZ is a Bank Loan fund actively managed by TCW. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AIFD returned 90.92% vs 4.71% for SLNZ. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AIFD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for SLNZ.

Performance

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) and TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIFD achieves a 46.82% return, which is significantly higher than SLNZ's 1.90% return.

AIFD

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 7.64%
• YTD: 46.82%
• 6M: 45.76%
• 1Y: 90.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLNZ

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF	46.82%	28.30%	4.44%
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	1.90%	5.21%	0.94%

Correlation

The correlation between AIFD and SLNZ is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2024	0.06

Return for Risk

AIFD vs. SLNZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIFD

AIFD Risk / Return Rank: 92
AIFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
AIFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AIFD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
AIFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AIFD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

SLNZ

SLNZ Risk / Return Rank: 33
SLNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
SLNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
SLNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SLNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SLNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) and TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ). 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.

	AIFD	SLNZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.35	1.06	+2.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	1.44	+2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.21	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.78	1.84	+5.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.05	5.74	+23.31

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIFD Sharpe Ratio is 3.35, which is higher than the SLNZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIFD and SLNZ, 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

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIFD drawdown since its inception was -33.20%, which is greater than SLNZ's maximum drawdown of -2.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIFD and SLNZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIFD	SLNZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.20%	-2.57%	-30.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.75%	-2.57%	-9.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	0.00%	-3.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-0.44%	-5.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	0.82%	+2.32%

Volatility

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Volatility Comparison

TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) has a higher volatility of 12.42% compared to TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) at 0.86%. This indicates that AIFD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLNZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIFD	SLNZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.42%	0.86%	+11.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.57%	3.90%	+17.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.32%	4.46%	+22.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.81%	4.25%	+25.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.81%	4.25%	+25.56%

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIFD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SLNZ's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIFD vs. SLNZ - Dividend Comparison

AIFD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SLNZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.52%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	7.52%	7.39%	1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIFD and SLNZ in my portfolio?

AIFD and SLNZ have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIFD or SLNZ?

AIFD has higher volatility (12.42%) compared to SLNZ (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIFD dropped -33.20% vs SLNZ's -2.57%.

Which ETF is better, AIFD or SLNZ?

On 1-year performance, AIFD leads with 90.92% vs 4.71% for SLNZ. On fees, SLNZ is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, SLNZ has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIFD or SLNZ?

Over the 1-year period, AIFD has performed better with a 90.92% return vs 4.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIFD or SLNZ?

SLNZ is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIFD or SLNZ?

SLNZ has the higher dividend yield at 7.52%, compared with 0.00% for AIFD.

What is the main difference between AIFD and SLNZ?

AIFD is categorized as Technology Equities, while SLNZ is Bank Loan. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIFD and 0.65% for SLNZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.35 vs 1.06), 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.