HACK vs. PSWD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HACK (ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF) and PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - HACK tracks the Prime Cyber Defense Index while PSWD tracks the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, HACK returned 21.52% vs 15.26% for PSWD. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HACK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for PSWD.

Performance

HACK vs. PSWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HACK achieves a 27.17% return, which is significantly higher than PSWD's 22.48% return.

HACK

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 24.54%
• YTD: 27.17%
• 6M: 21.31%
• 1Y: 21.52%
• 3Y*: 27.72%
• 5Y*: 11.82%
• 10Y*: 15.84%

PSWD

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: 22.87%
• YTD: 22.48%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 15.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HACK vs. PSWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HACK ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF	27.17%	7.97%	23.49%	18.61%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	22.48%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%

Correlation

The correlation between HACK and PSWD is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2023	0.89

The correlation between HACK and PSWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

HACK vs. PSWD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HACK	PSWD
Technology	93.0%	98.3%
Industrials	6.9%	0.5%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

HACK vs. PSWD — Risk / Return Rank

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

HACK

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

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 18
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

HACK vs. PSWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD). 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.

	HACK	PSWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	0.60	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	0.95	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.12	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.05	0.65	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.52	1.47	+1.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HACK vs. PSWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HACK Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is higher than the PSWD Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HACK and PSWD, 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

	HACK	PSWD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85	0.60	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.77	-0.19

Drawdowns

HACK vs. PSWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HACK drawdown since its inception was -42.68%, which is greater than PSWD's maximum drawdown of -23.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HACK and PSWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	HACK	PSWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.68%	-23.70%	-18.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.67%	-23.70%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.00%	-3.32%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-6.46%	-5.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.58%	10.38%	-1.80%

Volatility

HACK vs. PSWD - Volatility Comparison

ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) have volatilities of 10.68% and 11.00%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HACK	PSWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.68%	11.00%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.52%	20.87%	+0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.47%	25.46%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.18%	23.68%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.27%	23.68%	-0.41%

HACK vs. PSWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

HACK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than PSWD's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

HACK vs. PSWD - Dividend Comparison

HACK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than PSWD's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
HACK ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF	0.06%	0.07%	0.14%	0.20%	0.24%	0.26%	1.11%	0.14%	0.09%	0.01%	1.23%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.72%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HACK and PSWD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, HACK and PSWD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, HACK or PSWD?

PSWD has higher volatility (11.00%) compared to HACK (10.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HACK dropped -42.68% vs PSWD's -23.70%.

Which ETF is better, HACK or PSWD?

On 1-year performance, HACK leads with 21.52% vs 15.26% for PSWD. On fees, PSWD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, HACK has been the lower-risk option at 10.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HACK or PSWD?

Over the 1-year period, HACK has performed better with a 21.52% return vs 15.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HACK or PSWD?

PSWD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HACK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HACK or PSWD?

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.06% for HACK.

What is the main difference between HACK and PSWD?

HACK tracks Prime Cyber Defense Index, while PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. They also come from different issuers: ETFMG and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HACK and 0.20% for PSWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HACK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.85 vs 0.60), 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.