BAI vs. AIS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BAI (iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF) and AIS (VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BAI returned 104.79% vs 235.71% for AIS. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for AIS.

Performance

BAI vs. AIS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) and VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BAI achieves a 62.85% return, which is significantly lower than AIS's 134.07% return.

BAI

• 1D: 1.94%
• 1M: 13.43%
• YTD: 62.85%
• 6M: 60.92%
• 1Y: 104.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIS

• 1D: 3.32%
• 1M: 23.81%
• YTD: 134.07%
• 6M: 136.07%
• 1Y: 235.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BAI vs. AIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	62.85%	25.22%	0.86%
AIS VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF	134.07%	58.35%	-4.74%

Correlation

The correlation between BAI and AIS 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.91

The correlation between BAI and AIS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

BAI vs. AIS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BAI	AIS
Technology	88.8%	88.5%
Industrials	4.6%	7.4%
Communication Services	3.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	-
Healthcare	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

BAI vs. AIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAI

BAI Risk / Return Rank: 84
BAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
BAI Omega Ratio Rank: 78
BAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
BAI Martin Ratio Rank: 85

AIS

AIS Risk / Return Rank: 97
AIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
AIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
AIS Omega Ratio Rank: 96
AIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
AIS Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

BAI vs. AIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) and VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS). 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.

	BAI	AIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.90	5.85	-2.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	5.13	-1.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.74	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.50	14.98	-8.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.20	46.17	-28.98

BAI vs. AIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.90, which is lower than the AIS Sharpe Ratio of 5.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAI and AIS, 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

BAI vs. AIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAI drawdown since its inception was -34.09%, roughly equal to the maximum AIS drawdown of -32.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAI and AIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAI	AIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.09%	-32.78%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.22%	-15.84%	-0.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.87%	-5.47%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.12%	5.13%	+0.99%

Volatility

BAI vs. AIS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) is 18.06%, while VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS) has a volatility of 21.48%. This indicates that BAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAI	AIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.06%	21.48%	-3.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.25%	34.91%	-4.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.45%	40.63%	-4.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.90%	40.47%	-3.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.90%	40.47%	-3.57%

BAI vs. AIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than AIS's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAI vs. AIS - Dividend Comparison

BAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, while AIS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AIS VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF	0.00%	0.00%
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	1.09%	1.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAI and AIS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BAI and AIS 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 is riskier, BAI or AIS?

AIS has higher volatility (21.48%) compared to BAI (18.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAI dropped -34.09% vs AIS's -32.78%.

Which ETF is better, BAI or AIS?

On 1-year performance, AIS leads with 235.71% vs 104.79% for BAI. On fees, BAI is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, BAI has been the lower-risk option at 18.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAI or AIS?

Over the 1-year period, AIS has performed better with a 235.71% return vs 104.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAI or AIS?

BAI is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BAI or AIS?

BAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.00% for AIS.

What is the main difference between BAI and AIS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and VistaShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BAI and 0.75% for AIS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.85 vs 2.90), 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.