FAI vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both Technology Equities funds from First Trust - FAI tracks the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index while ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FAI returned 66.20% vs 20.72% for ROBT. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.65% expense ratio.

Performance

FAI vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) 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, FAI achieves a 34.05% return, which is significantly higher than ROBT's 6.06% return.

FAI

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 7.16%
• YTD: 34.05%
• 6M: 33.89%
• 1Y: 66.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ROBT

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 6M: 3.83%
• 1Y: 20.72%
• 3Y*: 7.82%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

FAI vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	34.05%	33.37%	2.28%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	6.06%	15.16%	-0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between FAI and ROBT is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.85

The correlation between FAI and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FAI vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 62

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 23
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 22
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FAI	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	0.84	+1.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	1.27	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.15	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	0.96	+2.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.01	2.69	+8.32

FAI vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is higher than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAI 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

FAI vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAI drawdown since its inception was -27.82%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAI and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAI	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.82%	-44.47%	+16.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	-21.66%	+2.82%
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	-4.79%	-8.74%	+3.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-15.92%	+10.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.03%	7.72%	-1.69%

Volatility

FAI vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) has a higher volatility of 13.67% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) at 10.60%. This indicates that FAI'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

	FAI	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.67%	10.60%	+3.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.18%	19.20%	+2.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.02%	24.69%	+2.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.90%	25.46%	+5.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.90%	25.58%	+5.32%

FAI vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FAI and ROBT have an expense ratio of 0.65%.

Dividends

FAI vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither FAI nor ROBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	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 FAI and ROBT in my portfolio?

FAI and ROBT have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAI or ROBT?

FAI has higher volatility (13.67%) compared to ROBT (10.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAI dropped -27.82% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, FAI or ROBT?

On 1-year performance, FAI leads with 66.20% vs 20.72% for ROBT. Both ETFs have the same 0.65% expense ratio. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 10.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAI or ROBT?

Over the 1-year period, FAI has performed better with a 66.20% return vs 20.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAI or ROBT?

FAI and ROBT have the same expense ratio: 0.65% per year.

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

FAI and ROBT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FAI and ROBT?

FAI tracks Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 0.84), 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.