BAI vs. VOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BAI (iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. BAI is actively managed, while VOX is passively managed. Over the past year, BAI returned 97.95% vs 20.55% for VOX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VOX.

Performance

BAI vs. VOX - 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 Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BAI achieves a 55.29% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -1.38% return.

BAI

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 18.14%
• YTD: 55.29%
• 6M: 51.89%
• 1Y: 97.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: -1.38%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 24.02%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

BAI vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	55.29%	25.22%	8.06%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.38%	26.27%	6.13%

Correlation

The correlation between BAI and VOX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2024	0.60

The correlation between BAI and VOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

BAI vs. VOX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BAI	VOX
Technology	83.2%	1.2%
Communication Services	6.8%	98.4%
Industrials	6.7%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	0.2%
Healthcare	0.7%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BAI vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAI

BAI Risk / Return Rank: 82
BAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
BAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BAI Omega Ratio Rank: 75
BAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
BAI Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VOX - 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 Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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.

	BAI	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.04	1.34	+1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	2.00	+1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.24	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.07	1.52	+4.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.57	5.83	+10.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BAI vs. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAI Sharpe Ratio is 3.04, which is higher than the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAI and VOX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BAI	VOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.04	1.34	+1.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.69	0.43	+1.25

Drawdowns

BAI vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAI drawdown since its inception was -34.09%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAI and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAI	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.09%	-57.18%	+23.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.22%	-13.56%	-2.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.15%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-4.70%	+4.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-11.91%	+4.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.93%	3.54%	+2.39%

Volatility

BAI vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) has a higher volatility of 11.32% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 4.24%. This indicates that BAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAI	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.32%	4.24%	+7.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.16%	11.16%	+15.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.43%	15.45%	+16.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.06%	21.15%	+13.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.06%	20.89%	+14.17%

BAI vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAI vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison

BAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than VOX's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	1.16%	1.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.00%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAI and VOX in my portfolio?

BAI and VOX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BAI or VOX?

BAI has higher volatility (11.32%) compared to VOX (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAI dropped -34.09% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, BAI or VOX?

On 1-year performance, BAI leads with 97.95% vs 20.55% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAI or VOX?

Over the 1-year period, BAI has performed better with a 97.95% return vs 20.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAI or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for BAI.

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

BAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 1.00% for VOX.

What is the main difference between BAI and VOX?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BAI and 0.10% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 1.34), 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.