BOTZ vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BOTZ is a Robotics fund tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. BOTZ is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, BOTZ returned 2.06%/yr vs 9.68%/yr for DFAI. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BOTZ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BOTZ achieves a 5.58% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 10.55% return.

BOTZ

• 1D: 3.04%
• 1M: -4.92%
• YTD: 5.58%
• 6M: 6.30%
• 1Y: 24.59%
• 3Y*: 9.30%
• 5Y*: 2.06%
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 25.58%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 9.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BOTZ Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF	5.58%	14.17%	12.26%	38.97%	-42.69%	8.65%	7.44%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.55%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%

Correlation

The correlation between BOTZ and DFAI is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.77

The correlation between BOTZ and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BOTZ	DFAI
Industrials	49.3%	18.4%
Technology	31.8%	7.7%
Healthcare	8.0%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	9.0%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.5%
Financial Services	0.9%	23.5%
Energy	0.5%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	6.4%
Basic Materials	0.0%	10.0%
Utilities	0.0%	4.0%
Real Estate	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

BOTZ vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOTZ

BOTZ Risk / Return Rank: 30
BOTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
BOTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
BOTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
BOTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
BOTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

	BOTZ	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.77	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	2.48	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.32	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	2.35	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.20	9.14	-4.93

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BOTZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is lower than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BOTZ and DFAI, 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

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOTZ drawdown since its inception was -55.54%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOTZ and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOTZ	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.54%	-27.44%	-28.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.34%	-10.95%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.02%	-13.25%	-15.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.54%	-27.44%	-28.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.12%	-0.35%	-7.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.28%	-5.10%	-13.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.86%	2.81%	+3.05%

Volatility

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) has a higher volatility of 9.53% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 5.12%. This indicates that BOTZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BOTZ	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.53%	5.12%	+4.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.72%	12.28%	+7.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.24%	14.58%	+10.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.95%	16.01%	+10.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.81%	15.74%	+10.07%

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOTZ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

BOTZ vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

BOTZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than DFAI's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BOTZ Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF	0.62%	0.66%	0.13%	0.20%	0.23%	0.16%	0.19%	0.83%	1.44%	0.01%	0.06%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.23%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOTZ and DFAI in my portfolio?

BOTZ and DFAI have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BOTZ or DFAI?

BOTZ has higher volatility (9.53%) compared to DFAI (5.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BOTZ dropped -55.54% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, BOTZ or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, DFAI leads with 9.68% vs 2.06% for BOTZ. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 5.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BOTZ or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 9.68% return vs 2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOTZ or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for BOTZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BOTZ or DFAI?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.62% for BOTZ.

What is the main difference between BOTZ and DFAI?

BOTZ is categorized as Robotics, while DFAI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for BOTZ and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.98), 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.