HACK vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HACK (Amplify Cybersecurity ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HACK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq ISE Cyber Security Select Index, while XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HACK returned 15.64%/yr vs 30.69%/yr for XSD. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HACK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

HACK vs. XSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HACK achieves a 19.40% return, which is significantly lower than XSD's 87.88% return. Over the past 10 years, HACK has underperformed XSD with an annualized return of 15.64%, while XSD has yielded a comparatively higher 30.69% annualized return.

HACK

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: 1.17%
• YTD: 19.40%
• 6M: 17.34%
• 1Y: 14.12%
• 3Y*: 25.16%
• 5Y*: 9.42%
• 10Y*: 15.64%

XSD

• 1D: -6.88%
• 1M: -0.01%
• YTD: 87.88%
• 6M: 83.00%
• 1Y: 147.65%
• 3Y*: 43.10%
• 5Y*: 26.73%
• 10Y*: 30.69%

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

HACK vs. XSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HACK Amplify Cybersecurity ETF	19.40%	7.97%	23.49%	37.44%	-28.16%	7.03%	41.51%	23.39%	6.61%	19.68%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	87.88%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%

Correlation

The correlation between HACK and XSD is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2014	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between HACK and XSD has dropped to 0.41 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HACK vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HACK	XSD
Technology	92.7%	98.0%
Industrials	7.2%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	2.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HACK vs. XSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

HACK

HACK Risk / Return Rank: 17
HACK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
HACK Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
HACK Omega Ratio Rank: 17
HACK Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
HACK Martin Ratio Rank: 16

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 92
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. XSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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.

	HACK	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.55	3.65	-3.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	3.77	-2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.51	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	7.98	-7.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.61	26.27	-24.67

HACK vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HACK Sharpe Ratio is 0.55, which is lower than the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 3.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HACK and XSD, 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

HACK vs. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HACK drawdown since its inception was -42.68%, smaller than the maximum XSD drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HACK and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	HACK	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.68%	-64.56%	+21.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.67%	-18.61%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.90%	-41.25%	+19.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.68%	-42.27%	+3.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.68%	-42.27%	+3.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.93%	-7.06%	-1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.62%	-13.72%	+2.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.80%	5.64%	+3.16%

Volatility

HACK vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) is 11.83%, while SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a volatility of 22.76%. This indicates that HACK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HACK	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.83%	22.76%	-10.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.94%	33.53%	-11.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.06%	40.74%	-14.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.30%	39.20%	-14.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.25%	35.44%	-12.19%

HACK vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

HACK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

HACK vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

HACK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than XSD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HACK Amplify Cybersecurity ETF	0.06%	0.07%	0.14%	0.20%	0.24%	0.26%	1.11%	0.14%	0.09%	0.01%	1.23%	0.00%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HACK and XSD in my portfolio?

HACK and XSD have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HACK or XSD?

XSD has higher volatility (22.76%) compared to HACK (11.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HACK dropped -42.68% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, HACK or XSD?

On 10-year performance, XSD leads with 30.69% vs 15.64% for HACK. On fees, XSD is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, HACK has been the lower-risk option at 11.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HACK or XSD?

Over the 10-year period, XSD has performed better with a 30.69% return vs 15.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HACK or XSD?

XSD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HACK.

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

XSD has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.06% for HACK.

What is the main difference between HACK and XSD?

HACK is categorized as Technology Equities, while XSD is Semiconductors. HACK tracks Nasdaq ISE Cyber Security Select Index, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HACK and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.65 vs 0.55), 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.