IETC vs. XPND

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IETC (iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF) and XPND (First Trust Expanded Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IETC returned 14.78%/yr vs 14.69%/yr for XPND. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IETC charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for XPND.

Performance

IETC vs. XPND - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IETC achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly lower than XPND's 11.27% return.

IETC

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: -4.65%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 13.70%
• 3Y*: 25.88%
• 5Y*: 14.78%
• 10Y*: —

XPND

• 1D: 1.55%
• 1M: -0.19%
• YTD: 11.27%
• 6M: 9.26%
• 1Y: 22.58%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 14.69%
• 10Y*: —

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

IETC vs. XPND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IETC iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF	3.06%	19.56%	37.57%	54.35%	-32.78%	15.37%
XPND First Trust Expanded Technology ETF	11.27%	18.82%	29.61%	46.13%	-29.66%	15.05%

Correlation

The correlation between IETC and XPND is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.95

The correlation between IETC and XPND has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IETC vs. XPND - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IETC	XPND
Technology	79.5%	74.6%
Communication Services	8.2%	17.7%
Industrials	4.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	-
Financial Services	3.0%	7.7%
Real Estate	0.6%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IETC vs. XPND — Risk / Return Rank

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

IETC

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

XPND

XPND Risk / Return Rank: 31
XPND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
XPND Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
XPND Omega Ratio Rank: 33
XPND Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
XPND Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

IETC vs. XPND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND). 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.

	IETC	XPND	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.61	1.15	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.94	1.59	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.21	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.65	1.31	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.75	3.75	-2.01

IETC vs. XPND - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IETC Sharpe Ratio is 0.61, which is lower than the XPND Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IETC and XPND, 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

IETC vs. XPND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IETC drawdown since its inception was -38.48%, roughly equal to the maximum XPND drawdown of -38.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IETC and XPND.

Drawdown Indicators

	IETC	XPND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.48%	-38.00%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.19%	-17.38%	-3.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.17%	-23.37%	-1.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.48%	-38.00%	-0.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.53%	-5.14%	-6.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-10.00%	+1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.86%	6.03%	+1.83%

Volatility

IETC vs. XPND - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) has a higher volatility of 10.95% compared to First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) at 9.93%. This indicates that IETC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XPND based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IETC	XPND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.95%	9.93%	+1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.16%	16.31%	+1.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.74%	19.76%	+2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.86%	24.14%	+0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.49%	24.08%	+1.41%

IETC vs. XPND - Expense Ratio Comparison

IETC has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than XPND's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

IETC vs. XPND - Dividend Comparison

IETC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, more than XPND's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IETC iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF	0.40%	0.38%	0.52%	0.79%	0.92%	0.73%	0.48%	0.95%	1.27%
XPND First Trust Expanded Technology ETF	0.11%	0.08%	0.12%	0.18%	0.34%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IETC and XPND in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, IETC and XPND 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, IETC or XPND?

IETC has higher volatility (10.95%) compared to XPND (9.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IETC dropped -38.48% vs XPND's -38.00%.

Which ETF is better, IETC or XPND?

On 5-year performance, IETC leads with 14.78% vs 14.69% for XPND. On fees, IETC is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, XPND has been the lower-risk option at 9.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IETC or XPND?

Over the 5-year period, IETC has performed better with a 14.78% return vs 14.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IETC or XPND?

IETC is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for XPND.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IETC or XPND?

IETC has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.11% for XPND.

What is the main difference between IETC and XPND?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for IETC and 0.65% for XPND.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPND currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.61), 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.