AIPO vs. PWRD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIPO (Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF) and PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIPO is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed AI and Power Infrastructure Index, while PWRD is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by TCW. AIPO is passively managed, while PWRD is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIPO charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PWRD.

Performance

AIPO vs. PWRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIPO achieves a 52.03% return, which is significantly higher than PWRD's 19.81% return.

AIPO

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 6.63%
• YTD: 52.03%
• 6M: 45.92%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PWRD

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 19.81%
• 6M: 18.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIPO vs. PWRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	52.03%	8.68%
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	19.81%	2.34%

Correlation

The correlation between AIPO and PWRD is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

AIPO vs. PWRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AIPO	PWRD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.36	1.32	+1.04

Drawdowns

AIPO vs. PWRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIPO drawdown since its inception was -17.31%, which is greater than PWRD's maximum drawdown of -14.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIPO and PWRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIPO	PWRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.31%	-14.12%	-3.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-0.74%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.38%	-3.17%	-1.21%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIPO	PWRD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.09%	24.03%	+10.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.09%	24.03%	+10.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.09%	24.03%	+10.06%

AIPO vs. PWRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIPO has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than PWRD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIPO vs. PWRD - Dividend Comparison

AIPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	0.01%	0.01%
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIPO and PWRD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, AIPO and PWRD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, AIPO or PWRD?

On fees, AIPO is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIPO or PWRD?

AIPO is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIPO or PWRD?

AIPO has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between AIPO and PWRD?

AIPO is categorized as Technology Equities, while PWRD is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and TCW. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for AIPO and 0.75% for PWRD.