DFII vs. ROBT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFII (FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFII is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by First Trust, while ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. DFII is actively managed, while ROBT is passively managed. Over the past year, DFII returned -44.75% vs 12.66% for ROBT. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFII charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

DFII vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFII achieves a -26.34% return, which is significantly lower than ROBT's 5.34% return.

DFII

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -1.74%
• 6M: -31.57%
• YTD: -26.34%
• 1Y: -44.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ROBT

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -1.53%
• 6M: -0.02%
• YTD: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.66%
• 3Y*: 5.44%
• 5Y*: 1.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFII vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFII FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF	-26.34%	6.01%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	5.34%	25.10%

Correlation

The correlation between DFII and ROBT is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.49

The correlation between DFII and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFII vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFII

DFII Risk / Return Rank: 1
DFII Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DFII Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
DFII Omega Ratio Rank: 2
DFII Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
DFII Martin Ratio Rank: 1

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 18
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 18
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

DFII vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.

	DFII	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.07	0.51	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.59	0.85	-2.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.10	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.88	0.59	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.42	1.58	-3.00

DFII vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFII Sharpe Ratio is -1.07, which is lower than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFII and ROBT, 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

DFII vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFII drawdown since its inception was -51.04%, which is greater than ROBT's maximum drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFII and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFII	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.04%	-44.47%	-6.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-51.04%	-21.66%	-29.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.07%	-9.36%	-37.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.58%	-15.85%	-5.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.61%	8.01%	+23.60%

Volatility

DFII vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) has a higher volatility of 9.79% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) at 6.43%. This indicates that DFII's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFII	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.79%	6.43%	+3.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.57%	19.39%	+14.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.12%	24.92%	+17.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.83%	25.54%	+15.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.83%	25.55%	+15.28%

DFII vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFII has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFII vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

DFII's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 27.28%, more than ROBT's 0.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DFII FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF	27.28%	15.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.02%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFII and ROBT in my portfolio?

DFII and ROBT 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, DFII or ROBT?

DFII has higher volatility (9.79%) compared to ROBT (6.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFII dropped -51.04% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, DFII or ROBT?

On 1-year performance, ROBT leads with 12.66% vs -44.75% for DFII. On fees, ROBT is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFII or ROBT?

Over the 1-year period, ROBT has performed better with a 12.66% return vs -44.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFII or ROBT?

ROBT is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DFII.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFII or ROBT?

DFII has the higher dividend yield at 27.28%, compared with 0.02% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between DFII and ROBT?

DFII is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ROBT is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DFII and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROBT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.51 vs -1.07), 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.