AQWA vs. FIW

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AQWA (Global X Clean Water ETF) and FIW (First Trust Water ETF) are both Water Equities funds - AQWA tracks the Solactive Global Clean Water Industry Index while FIW tracks the ISE Clean Edge Water Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AQWA returned 5.74%/yr vs 6.35%/yr for FIW. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

AQWA vs. FIW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AQWA achieves a 4.00% return, which is significantly higher than FIW's 1.00% return.

AQWA

• 1D: 1.83%
• 1M: 3.31%
• YTD: 4.00%
• 6M: 2.32%
• 1Y: 4.98%
• 3Y*: 10.42%
• 5Y*: 5.74%
• 10Y*: —

FIW

• 1D: 2.04%
• 1M: 6.12%
• YTD: 1.00%
• 6M: -1.09%
• 1Y: 2.83%
• 3Y*: 8.97%
• 5Y*: 6.35%
• 10Y*: 13.35%

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

AQWA vs. FIW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AQWA Global X Clean Water ETF	4.00%	13.15%	4.34%	20.13%	-19.89%	15.67%
FIW First Trust Water ETF	1.00%	7.20%	8.38%	20.35%	-15.70%	18.68%

Correlation

The correlation between AQWA and FIW is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2021	0.89

The correlation between AQWA and FIW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AQWA vs. FIW — Risk / Return Rank

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

AQWA

AQWA Risk / Return Rank: 13
AQWA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
AQWA Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
AQWA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
AQWA Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
AQWA Martin Ratio Rank: 13

FIW

FIW Risk / Return Rank: 11
FIW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
FIW Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
FIW Omega Ratio Rank: 10
FIW Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
FIW Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

AQWA vs. FIW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). 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.

	AQWA	FIW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.34	0.18	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.58	0.37	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.04	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.41	0.21	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.92	0.49	+0.42

AQWA vs. FIW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AQWA Sharpe Ratio is 0.34, which is higher than the FIW Sharpe Ratio of 0.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AQWA and FIW, 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

AQWA vs. FIW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQWA drawdown since its inception was -29.44%, smaller than the maximum FIW drawdown of -52.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQWA and FIW.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQWA	FIW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.44%	-52.75%	+23.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.34%	-13.81%	+1.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.55%	-18.32%	+3.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-28.53%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.57%	-5.28%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.28%	-8.30%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.43%	5.73%	-0.30%

Volatility

AQWA vs. FIW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is 4.86%, while First Trust Water ETF (FIW) has a volatility of 5.25%. This indicates that AQWA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FIW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AQWA	FIW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	5.25%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.43%	12.23%	-0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.66%	15.96%	-1.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	18.43%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	19.90%	-3.23%

AQWA vs. FIW - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AQWA and FIW have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

AQWA vs. FIW - Dividend Comparison

AQWA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than FIW's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AQWA Global X Clean Water ETF	1.41%	1.47%	1.40%	1.53%	1.56%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FIW First Trust Water ETF	0.92%	0.69%	0.69%	0.68%	0.67%	0.37%	0.56%	0.55%	0.73%	1.13%	0.51%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQWA and FIW in my portfolio?

AQWA and FIW have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AQWA or FIW?

FIW has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to AQWA (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AQWA dropped -29.44% vs FIW's -52.75%.

Which ETF is better, AQWA or FIW?

On 5-year performance, FIW leads with 6.35% vs 5.74% for AQWA. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, AQWA has been the lower-risk option at 4.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AQWA or FIW?

Over the 5-year period, FIW has performed better with a 6.35% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AQWA or FIW?

AQWA and FIW have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AQWA or FIW?

AQWA has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.92% for FIW.

What is the main difference between AQWA and FIW?

AQWA tracks Solactive Global Clean Water Industry Index, while FIW tracks ISE Clean Edge Water Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AQWA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.34 vs 0.18), 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.