BUG vs. XT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUG (Global X Cybersecurity ETF) and XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - BUG tracks the Indxx Cybersecurity Index while XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUG returned 6.86%/yr vs 8.42%/yr for XT. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for XT.

Performance

BUG vs. XT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BUG having a 20.72% return and XT slightly lower at 20.20%.

BUG

• 1D: -4.04%
• 1M: 33.08%
• YTD: 20.72%
• 6M: 15.17%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 6.86%
• 10Y*: —

XT

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 9.47%
• YTD: 20.20%
• 6M: 20.54%
• 1Y: 45.88%
• 3Y*: 18.83%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: 14.70%

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

BUG vs. XT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	20.72%	-5.04%	9.59%	41.40%	-33.63%	13.24%	70.83%	6.55%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	20.20%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	35.10%	7.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BUG and XT is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2019	0.73

The correlation between BUG and XT shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BUG vs. XT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUG	XT
Technology	99.9%	43.5%
Communication Services	0.0%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	0.0%
Healthcare	0.0%	23.4%
Basic Materials	-	2.0%
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	3.3%
Industrials	-	10.1%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	4.6%

Return for Risk

BUG vs. XT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUG

BUG Risk / Return Rank: 10
BUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Omega Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
BUG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 84
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 79
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

BUG vs. XT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT). 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.

	BUG	XT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	2.89	-2.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	3.83	-3.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.48	-0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.08	4.41	-4.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.16	18.51	-18.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUG vs. XT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the XT Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUG and XT, 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

	BUG	XT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09	2.89	-2.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.41	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.66	-0.16

Drawdowns

BUG vs. XT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUG drawdown since its inception was -41.66%, which is greater than XT's maximum drawdown of -34.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUG and XT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUG	XT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.66%	-34.41%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.69%	-10.45%	-27.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.69%	-22.09%	-15.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.66%	-34.41%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.62%	-0.47%	-4.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.42%	-7.41%	-7.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.36%	2.49%	+15.87%

Volatility

BUG vs. XT - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) has a higher volatility of 14.07% compared to iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) at 4.85%. This indicates that BUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUG	XT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.07%	4.85%	+9.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.81%	11.94%	+13.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.78%	15.99%	+14.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.47%	20.76%	+7.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.33%	20.08%	+9.25%

BUG vs. XT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XT's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUG vs. XT - Dividend Comparison

BUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than XT's 6.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.09%	0.10%	1.56%	0.66%	0.46%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	6.61%	7.95%	0.66%	0.41%	0.78%	0.84%	0.77%	1.55%	1.40%	0.97%	1.37%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUG and XT in my portfolio?

BUG and XT have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUG or XT?

BUG has higher volatility (14.07%) compared to XT (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUG dropped -41.66% vs XT's -34.41%.

Which ETF is better, BUG or XT?

On 5-year performance, XT leads with 8.42% vs 6.86% for BUG. On fees, XT is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 4.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUG or XT?

Over the 5-year period, XT has performed better with a 8.42% return vs 6.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUG or XT?

XT is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for BUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUG or XT?

XT has the higher dividend yield at 6.61%, compared with 0.03% for BUG.

What is the main difference between BUG and XT?

BUG tracks Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUG and 0.46% for XT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 0.09), 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.