IHAK vs. PSWD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IHAK (iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF) and PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IHAK tracks the NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index while PSWD tracks the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IHAK returned 5.44% vs 4.79% for PSWD. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IHAK charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for PSWD.

Performance

IHAK vs. PSWD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IHAK having a 14.56% return and PSWD slightly lower at 13.94%.

IHAK

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: -3.34%
• YTD: 14.56%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 5.44%
• 3Y*: 14.94%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: —

PSWD

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -1.78%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 4.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IHAK vs. PSWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	14.56%	-1.29%	7.60%	20.31%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	13.94%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%

Correlation

The correlation between IHAK and PSWD is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.92

The correlation between IHAK and PSWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

IHAK vs. PSWD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IHAK	PSWD
Technology	95.8%	97.8%
Industrials	3.2%	1.2%
Communication Services	0.4%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

IHAK vs. PSWD — 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

PSWD

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

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. PSWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD). 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	PSWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	0.19	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.47	0.43	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.05	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	0.20	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.53	0.45	+0.08

IHAK vs. PSWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IHAK Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is comparable to the PSWD Sharpe Ratio of 0.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IHAK and PSWD, 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. PSWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IHAK drawdown since its inception was -34.42%, which is greater than PSWD's maximum drawdown of -23.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IHAK and PSWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IHAK	PSWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.42%	-23.70%	-10.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.48%	-23.70%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.48%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.66%	-10.06%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.74%	-6.51%	-4.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.21%	10.62%	-0.41%

Volatility

IHAK vs. PSWD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) is 9.69%, while Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) has a volatility of 11.28%. This indicates that IHAK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IHAK	PSWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.69%	11.28%	-1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.46%	21.40%	-0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.43%	25.71%	-1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.66%	23.65%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.39%	23.65%	+0.74%

IHAK vs. PSWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IHAK has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than PSWD's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

IHAK vs. PSWD - Dividend Comparison

IHAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than PSWD's 0.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	0.08%	0.08%	0.20%	0.13%	0.25%	0.50%	0.40%	0.50%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.68%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IHAK and PSWD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IHAK and PSWD 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 PSWD?

PSWD has higher volatility (11.28%) compared to IHAK (9.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IHAK dropped -34.42% vs PSWD's -23.70%.

Which ETF is better, IHAK or PSWD?

On 1-year performance, IHAK leads with 5.44% vs 4.79% for PSWD. On fees, PSWD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, IHAK has been the lower-risk option at 9.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IHAK or PSWD?

Over the 1-year period, IHAK has performed better with a 5.44% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IHAK or PSWD?

PSWD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IHAK.

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

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.68%, compared with 0.08% for IHAK.

What is the main difference between IHAK and PSWD?

IHAK tracks NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IHAK and 0.20% for PSWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IHAK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.22 vs 0.19), 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.