FAI vs. GQGU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while GQGU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by GQG Partners. FAI is passively managed, while GQGU is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.37, they often move in opposite directions. FAI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQGU.

Performance

FAI vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAI achieves a 36.77% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 6.44% return.

FAI

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: 17.27%
• YTD: 36.77%
• 6M: 35.51%
• 1Y: 72.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GQGU

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -1.69%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 6M: 7.69%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FAI vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	36.77%	15.90%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.44%	-1.14%

Correlation

The correlation between FAI and GQGU is -0.37, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	-0.37

Return for Risk

FAI vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 80
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

FAI vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

	FAI	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.65	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FAI	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	0.58	+1.12

Drawdowns

FAI vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAI drawdown since its inception was -27.82%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -6.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAI and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAI	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.82%	-6.65%	-21.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-4.80%	+1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.30%	-2.55%	-2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FAI	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.57%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.40%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.47%	10.12%	+14.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.89%	10.12%	+19.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.89%	10.12%	+19.77%

FAI vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than GQGU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAI vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAI and GQGU in my portfolio?

FAI and GQGU have a correlation of -0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FAI or GQGU?

On fees, GQGU is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAI or GQGU?

GQGU is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAI or GQGU?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between FAI and GQGU?

FAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while GQGU is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and GQG Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FAI and 0.49% for GQGU.