IGM vs. AIRR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and AIRR (First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while AIRR is a Building & Construction fund tracking the Richard Bernstein Advisors American Industrial Renaissance Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGM returned 24.57%/yr vs 22.05%/yr for AIRR. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for AIRR.

Performance

IGM vs. AIRR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGM achieves a 23.42% return, which is significantly lower than AIRR's 31.74% return. Over the past 10 years, IGM has outperformed AIRR with an annualized return of 24.57%, while AIRR has yielded a comparatively lower 22.05% annualized return.

IGM

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 23.42%
• 6M: 23.24%
• 1Y: 48.57%
• 3Y*: 35.37%
• 5Y*: 20.09%
• 10Y*: 24.57%

AIRR

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 31.74%
• 6M: 28.77%
• 1Y: 65.25%
• 3Y*: 35.29%
• 5Y*: 25.46%
• 10Y*: 22.05%

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

IGM vs. AIRR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	23.42%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
AIRR First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF	31.74%	27.92%	33.45%	31.43%	-2.08%	33.01%	17.17%	33.97%	-20.57%	16.28%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and AIRR is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2014	0.58

The correlation between IGM and AIRR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGM vs. AIRR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	AIRR
Technology	82.8%	0.5%
Communication Services	16.8%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	9.6%
Industrials	0.2%	84.6%
Energy	0.1%	3.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. AIRR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 71
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

AIRR

AIRR Risk / Return Rank: 86
AIRR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AIRR Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
AIRR Omega Ratio Rank: 78
AIRR Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AIRR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

IGM vs. AIRR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR). 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.

	IGM	AIRR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.50	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	3.22	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	5.01	-2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	18.33	-8.27

IGM vs. AIRR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the AIRR Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM and AIRR, 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

IGM vs. AIRR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, which is greater than AIRR's maximum drawdown of -42.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and AIRR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	AIRR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-42.37%	-23.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-13.09%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-27.95%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-27.95%	-12.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	-42.37%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.80%	-1.89%	-4.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.22%	-7.48%	-7.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.84%	3.57%	+1.27%

Volatility

IGM vs. AIRR - Volatility Comparison

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) has a higher volatility of 10.03% compared to First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) at 9.32%. This indicates that IGM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AIRR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGM	AIRR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.03%	9.32%	+0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.11%	20.81%	-2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.98%	26.19%	-4.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.91%	25.45%	+0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.66%	26.36%	-1.70%

IGM vs. AIRR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than AIRR's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. AIRR - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, which matches AIRR's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIRR First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF	0.13%	0.19%	0.18%	0.23%	0.12%	0.05%	0.10%	0.20%	0.43%	0.30%	0.08%	0.47%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and AIRR in my portfolio?

IGM and AIRR have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or AIRR?

IGM has higher volatility (10.03%) compared to AIRR (9.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs AIRR's -42.37%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or AIRR?

On 10-year performance, IGM leads with 24.57% vs 22.05% for AIRR. On fees, IGM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, AIRR has been the lower-risk option at 9.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or AIRR?

Over the 10-year period, IGM has performed better with a 24.57% return vs 22.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or AIRR?

IGM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for AIRR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGM or AIRR?

IGM and AIRR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.13%.

What is the main difference between IGM and AIRR?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while AIRR is Building & Construction. IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while AIRR tracks Richard Bernstein Advisors American Industrial Renaissance Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.69% for AIRR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIRR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 2.22), 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.