FDNI vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FDNI (First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDNI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones International Internet Index, while ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDNI returned -8.73%/yr vs 2.38%/yr for ROBT. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.65% expense ratio.

Performance

FDNI vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) 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, FDNI achieves a -18.16% return, which is significantly lower than ROBT's 14.22% return.

FDNI

• 1D: -3.40%
• 1M: -1.01%
• YTD: -18.16%
• 6M: -18.40%
• 1Y: -12.94%
• 3Y*: 8.13%
• 5Y*: -8.73%
• 10Y*: —

ROBT

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: 13.18%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 12.64%
• 1Y: 30.71%
• 3Y*: 10.10%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

FDNI vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FDNI First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF	-18.16%	25.64%	22.46%	1.78%	-38.38%	-20.59%	85.27%	38.38%	-8.95%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	14.22%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-13.15%

Correlation

The correlation between FDNI and ROBT is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2018	0.63

The correlation between FDNI and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDNI vs. ROBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDNI	ROBT
Consumer Cyclical	43.5%	6.6%
Communication Services	34.7%	4.1%
Technology	17.2%	57.0%
Financial Services	3.9%	1.6%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Healthcare	0.7%	7.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	1.4%
Energy	-	1.5%
Industrials	-	20.4%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FDNI vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDNI

FDNI Risk / Return Rank: 5
FDNI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
FDNI Martin Ratio Rank: 5

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 32
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FDNI vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) 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.

	FDNI	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.54	1.32	-1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.63	1.88	-2.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.22	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.39	1.42	-1.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.75	4.09	-4.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDNI vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDNI Sharpe Ratio is -0.54, which is lower than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDNI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FDNI	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.54	1.32	-1.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.24	0.09	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	0.35	-0.20

Drawdowns

FDNI vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDNI drawdown since its inception was -71.08%, which is greater than ROBT's maximum drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDNI and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDNI	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.08%	-44.47%	-26.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.22%	-21.66%	-11.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.22%	-27.68%	-5.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-65.86%	-43.26%	-22.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.38%	-1.73%	-47.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.55%	-15.97%	-18.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.27%	7.53%	+9.74%

Volatility

FDNI vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) has a higher volatility of 7.96% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) at 6.46%. This indicates that FDNI'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

	FDNI	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.96%	6.46%	+1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.80%	17.51%	+1.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.95%	23.32%	+0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.63%	25.18%	+11.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.57%	25.48%	+9.09%

FDNI vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FDNI vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

FDNI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, while ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FDNI First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF	1.36%	1.12%	1.07%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.16%	3.12%	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 FDNI and ROBT in my portfolio?

FDNI and ROBT have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDNI or ROBT?

FDNI has higher volatility (7.96%) compared to ROBT (6.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDNI dropped -71.08% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, FDNI or ROBT?

On 5-year performance, ROBT leads with 2.38% vs -8.73% for FDNI. Both ETFs have the same 0.65% expense ratio. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDNI or ROBT?

Over the 5-year period, ROBT has performed better with a 2.38% return vs -8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDNI or ROBT?

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

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

FDNI has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between FDNI and ROBT?

FDNI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ROBT is Technology Equities. FDNI tracks Dow Jones International Internet Index, while ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROBT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs -0.54), 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.