IRBO vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IRBO (iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IRBO is a Robotics fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IRBO returned 14.13%/yr vs 34.50%/yr for SOXX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IRBO charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

IRBO vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IRBO achieves a 66.09% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 104.57% return.

IRBO

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 26.10%
• YTD: 66.09%
• 6M: 63.47%
• 1Y: 112.42%
• 3Y*: 36.54%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 33.25%
• YTD: 104.57%
• 6M: 99.43%
• 1Y: 190.05%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: 34.50%
• 10Y*: 35.79%

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

IRBO vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	66.09%	29.97%	8.02%	36.37%	-37.89%	6.32%	48.85%	34.47%	-14.31%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	104.57%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-11.21%

Correlation

The correlation between IRBO and SOXX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2018	0.82

The correlation between IRBO and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

IRBO vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IRBO	SOXX
Technology	83.8%	100.0%
Communication Services	5.5%	-
Industrials	4.7%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	-
Real Estate	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-

Return for Risk

IRBO vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IRBO

IRBO Risk / Return Rank: 90
IRBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IRBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
IRBO Omega Ratio Rank: 87
IRBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IRBO Martin Ratio Rank: 90

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

IRBO vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	IRBO	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.78	5.61	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	5.36	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.74	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.01	12.13	-6.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.88	46.43	-25.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IRBO vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRBO Sharpe Ratio is 3.78, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRBO and SOXX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IRBO	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78	5.61	-1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.96	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.45	+0.19

Drawdowns

IRBO vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRBO drawdown since its inception was -54.50%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRBO and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRBO	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.50%	-70.21%	+15.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.81%	-15.77%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.44%	-41.36%	+8.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.53%	-45.75%	-4.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	0.00%	-0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.85%	-19.97%	+0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	4.11%	+1.29%

Volatility

IRBO vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) is 12.01%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.03%. This indicates that IRBO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IRBO	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	14.03%	-2.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.12%	27.35%	-2.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.94%	34.18%	-4.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.58%	36.11%	-7.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.75%	33.43%	-5.68%

IRBO vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IRBO has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

IRBO vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

IRBO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.50%	0.88%	0.75%	2.41%	0.53%	0.69%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IRBO and SOXX in my portfolio?

IRBO and SOXX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IRBO or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.03%) compared to IRBO (12.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRBO dropped -54.50% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, IRBO or SOXX?

On 5-year performance, SOXX leads with 34.50% vs 14.13% for IRBO. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, IRBO has been the lower-risk option at 12.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IRBO or SOXX?

Over the 5-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 34.50% return vs 14.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IRBO or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IRBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IRBO or SOXX?

SOXX has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.00% for IRBO.

What is the main difference between IRBO and SOXX?

IRBO is categorized as Robotics, while SOXX is Semiconductors. IRBO tracks NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IRBO and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.61 vs 3.78), 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.