ESBG vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ESBG (First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESBG is a Tactical Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust, while ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. ESBG is actively managed, while ROBT is passively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESBG charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

ESBG vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG) 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, ESBG achieves a 5.96% return, which is significantly lower than ROBT's 14.43% return.

ESBG

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 5.96%
• 6M: 7.17%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ROBT

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 11.90%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 6M: 10.78%
• 1Y: 30.07%
• 3Y*: 10.07%
• 5Y*: 2.42%
• 10Y*: —

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

ESBG vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	5.96%	5.72%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	14.43%	3.83%

Correlation

The correlation between ESBG and ROBT is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

ESBG vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 33
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

ESBG vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESBG	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.30	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	0.35	+0.60

Drawdowns

ESBG vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESBG drawdown since its inception was -18.84%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESBG and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESBG	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.84%	-44.47%	+25.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-21.66%	—
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	-10.14%	-1.54%	-8.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.27%	-15.96%	+9.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESBG	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.42%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.19%	23.30%	+1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.19%	25.17%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.19%	25.47%	-0.28%

ESBG vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESBG has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESBG vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

ESBG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, while ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.57%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESBG and ROBT in my portfolio?

ESBG and ROBT have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESBG or ROBT?

On fees, ROBT is cheaper at 0.65% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESBG or ROBT?

ROBT is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ESBG.

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

ESBG has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between ESBG and ROBT?

ESBG is categorized as Tactical Allocation, while ROBT is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for ESBG and 0.65% for ROBT.