IBOT vs. KMLM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IBOT (VanEck Robotics ETF) and KMLM (KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBOT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar® Robotics Index, while KMLM is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the KFA MLM Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBOT returned 20.68%/yr vs -1.51%/yr for KMLM. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. IBOT charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for KMLM.

Performance

IBOT vs. KMLM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) and KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBOT achieves a 24.30% return, which is significantly higher than KMLM's 8.32% return.

IBOT

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 24.91%
• 1Y: 50.85%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KMLM

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -5.80%
• YTD: 8.32%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 13.24%
• 3Y*: -1.51%
• 5Y*: 4.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

IBOT vs. KMLM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	24.30%	28.57%	6.39%	19.46%
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	8.32%	-2.98%	-1.69%	-1.54%

Correlation

The correlation between IBOT and KMLM is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2023	-0.02

Return for Risk

IBOT vs. KMLM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBOT

IBOT Risk / Return Rank: 71
IBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

KMLM

KMLM Risk / Return Rank: 36
KMLM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
KMLM Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
KMLM Omega Ratio Rank: 32
KMLM Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
KMLM Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

IBOT vs. KMLM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) and KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM). 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.

	IBOT	KMLM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	1.06	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	1.49	+1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.19	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	1.78	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	5.86	+5.81

IBOT vs. KMLM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBOT Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the KMLM Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBOT and KMLM, 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

IBOT vs. KMLM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBOT drawdown since its inception was -25.39%, smaller than the maximum KMLM drawdown of -27.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBOT and KMLM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBOT	KMLM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.39%	-27.47%	+2.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.74%	-6.83%	-9.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	-22.28%	-3.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-15.54%	+12.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.02%	-12.74%	+7.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	2.10%	+2.03%

Volatility

IBOT vs. KMLM - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) at 3.35%. This indicates that IBOT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KMLM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBOT	KMLM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	3.35%	+5.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.07%	9.77%	+9.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.06%	11.50%	+11.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.37%	14.62%	+7.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	14.71%	+7.66%

IBOT vs. KMLM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBOT has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than KMLM's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBOT vs. KMLM - Dividend Comparison

IBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than KMLM's 4.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	0.31%	0.38%	2.81%	2.06%	0.00%	0.00%
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	4.64%	5.02%	0.82%	0.00%	13.22%	6.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBOT and KMLM in my portfolio?

IBOT and KMLM have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBOT or KMLM?

IBOT has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to KMLM (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBOT dropped -25.39% vs KMLM's -27.47%.

Which ETF is better, IBOT or KMLM?

On 3-year performance, IBOT leads with 20.68% vs -1.51% for KMLM. On fees, IBOT is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, KMLM has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBOT or KMLM?

Over the 3-year period, IBOT has performed better with a 20.68% return vs -1.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBOT or KMLM?

IBOT is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for KMLM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBOT or KMLM?

KMLM has the higher dividend yield at 4.64%, compared with 0.31% for IBOT.

What is the main difference between IBOT and KMLM?

IBOT is categorized as Technology Equities, while KMLM is Systematic Trend. IBOT tracks BlueStar® Robotics Index, while KMLM tracks KFA MLM Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and KraneShares. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBOT and 0.90% for KMLM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.06), 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.