CLOU vs. XT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CLOU (Global X Cloud Computing ETF) and XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - CLOU tracks the Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index while XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CLOU returned -5.18%/yr vs 7.23%/yr for XT. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CLOU charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for XT.

Performance

CLOU vs. XT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CLOU achieves a -4.95% return, which is significantly lower than XT's 15.73% return.

CLOU

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -5.99%
• YTD: -4.95%
• 6M: -5.99%
• 1Y: -5.37%
• 3Y*: 3.57%
• 5Y*: -5.18%
• 10Y*: —

XT

• 1D: -2.84%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 15.73%
• 6M: 14.43%
• 1Y: 37.71%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 14.88%

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

CLOU vs. XT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
CLOU Global X Cloud Computing ETF	-4.95%	-5.59%	5.74%	41.36%	-39.56%	-3.27%	77.18%	4.06%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	15.73%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	35.10%	11.47%

Correlation

The correlation between CLOU and XT is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2019	0.77

Over the past year, the correlation between CLOU and XT has dropped to 0.53 - well below their long-term average of 0.77, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

CLOU vs. XT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CLOU	XT
Technology	90.7%	46.7%
Communication Services	4.0%	4.1%
Real Estate	3.2%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.0%	7.4%
Healthcare	0.6%	24.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	3.0%
Industrials	-	7.7%
Utilities	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

CLOU vs. XT — Risk / Return Rank

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

CLOU

CLOU Risk / Return Rank: 7
CLOU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
CLOU Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
CLOU Omega Ratio Rank: 7
CLOU Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
CLOU Martin Ratio Rank: 7

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 72
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

CLOU vs. XT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) 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.

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.

	CLOU	XT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	2.19	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.05	2.90	-2.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.38	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.20	3.63	-3.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.47	14.43	-14.90

CLOU vs. XT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLOU Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is lower than the XT Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLOU 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.

Drawdowns

CLOU vs. XT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLOU drawdown since its inception was -53.74%, which is greater than XT's maximum drawdown of -34.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLOU and XT.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLOU	XT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.74%	-34.41%	-19.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.24%	-10.45%	-16.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.18%	-22.09%	-11.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.74%	-34.41%	-19.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.93%	-4.18%	-27.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.43%	-7.39%	-17.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.46%	2.62%	+8.84%

Volatility

CLOU vs. XT - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) has a higher volatility of 13.72% compared to iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) at 8.14%. This indicates that CLOU'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

	CLOU	XT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.72%	8.14%	+5.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.33%	13.78%	+11.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.89%	17.32%	+12.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.65%	21.00%	+9.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.76%	20.12%	+10.64%

CLOU vs. XT - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLOU has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than XT's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLOU vs. XT - Dividend Comparison

CLOU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.08%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CLOU Global X Cloud Computing ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.76%	0.00%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	7.08%	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 CLOU and XT in my portfolio?

CLOU and XT have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CLOU or XT?

CLOU has higher volatility (13.72%) compared to XT (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLOU dropped -53.74% vs XT's -34.41%.

Which ETF is better, CLOU or XT?

On 5-year performance, XT leads with 7.23% vs -5.18% for CLOU. On fees, XT is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 8.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CLOU or XT?

Over the 5-year period, XT has performed better with a 7.23% return vs -5.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CLOU or XT?

XT is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for CLOU.

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

XT has the higher dividend yield at 7.08%, compared with 0.00% for CLOU.

What is the main difference between CLOU and XT?

CLOU tracks Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index, while XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for CLOU and 0.46% for XT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 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.