IHAK vs. CIBR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IHAK (iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF) and CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IHAK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IHAK returned 4.93%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for CIBR. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IHAK charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for CIBR.

Performance

IHAK vs. CIBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) and First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IHAK achieves a 13.38% return, which is significantly lower than CIBR's 18.06% return.

IHAK

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: -2.63%
• YTD: 13.38%
• 6M: 11.34%
• 1Y: 5.97%
• 3Y*: 14.38%
• 5Y*: 4.93%
• 10Y*: —

CIBR

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.08%
• YTD: 18.06%
• 6M: 15.86%
• 1Y: 15.20%
• 3Y*: 24.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 17.93%

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

IHAK vs. CIBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	13.38%	-1.29%	7.60%	37.77%	-25.81%	11.13%	51.22%	6.48%
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	18.06%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	6.85%

Correlation

The correlation between IHAK and CIBR 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	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2019	0.95

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

IHAK vs. CIBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IHAK	CIBR
Technology	95.8%	95.4%
Industrials	3.2%	2.7%
Communication Services	0.4%	1.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IHAK vs. CIBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IHAK

IHAK Risk / Return Rank: 12
IHAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
IHAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
IHAK Omega Ratio Rank: 12
IHAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
IHAK Martin Ratio Rank: 11

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 18
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 19
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
CIBR 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.

IHAK vs. CIBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) and First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR). 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.

	IHAK	CIBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.25	0.61	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	0.99	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.12	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	0.69	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.59	1.60	-1.01

IHAK vs. CIBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IHAK Sharpe Ratio is 0.25, which is lower than the CIBR Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IHAK and CIBR, 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

IHAK vs. CIBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IHAK drawdown since its inception was -34.42%, roughly equal to the maximum CIBR drawdown of -33.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IHAK and CIBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IHAK	CIBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.42%	-33.89%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.48%	-21.99%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.48%	-21.99%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.42%	-33.89%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.59%	-10.72%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.74%	-8.66%	-2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.17%	9.51%	+0.66%

Volatility

IHAK vs. CIBR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) is 10.23%, while First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) has a volatility of 12.03%. This indicates that IHAK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CIBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IHAK	CIBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.23%	12.03%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.48%	21.54%	-1.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.47%	25.21%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.66%	25.07%	-1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	23.60%	+0.80%

IHAK vs. CIBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IHAK has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than CIBR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IHAK vs. CIBR - Dividend Comparison

IHAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than CIBR's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.49%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	0.08%	0.08%	0.20%	0.13%	0.25%	0.50%	0.40%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IHAK and CIBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, IHAK and CIBR 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, IHAK or CIBR?

CIBR has higher volatility (12.03%) compared to IHAK (10.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IHAK dropped -34.42% vs CIBR's -33.89%.

Which ETF is better, IHAK or CIBR?

On 5-year performance, CIBR leads with 12.80% vs 4.93% for IHAK. On fees, IHAK is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IHAK has been the lower-risk option at 10.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IHAK or CIBR?

Over the 5-year period, CIBR has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 4.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IHAK or CIBR?

IHAK is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IHAK or CIBR?

CIBR has the higher dividend yield at 0.49%, compared with 0.08% for IHAK.

What is the main difference between IHAK and CIBR?

IHAK is categorized as Technology Equities, while CIBR is Cybersecurity. IHAK tracks NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IHAK and 0.60% for CIBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CIBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.61 vs 0.25), 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.