IXN vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IXN tracks the S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index while QTUM tracks the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IXN returned 21.51%/yr vs 28.09%/yr for QTUM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IXN charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

IXN vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXN achieves a 33.08% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 47.39% return.

IXN

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 33.08%
• 6M: 35.17%
• 1Y: 60.27%
• 3Y*: 32.38%
• 5Y*: 21.51%
• 10Y*: 25.03%

QTUM

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 9.88%
• YTD: 47.39%
• 6M: 45.72%
• 1Y: 82.93%
• 3Y*: 48.15%
• 5Y*: 28.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

IXN vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	33.08%	25.25%	24.84%	52.98%	-29.86%	29.58%	43.62%	47.88%	-17.51%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	47.39%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	42.05%	47.99%	-19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between IXN and QTUM is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.87

The correlation between IXN and QTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXN vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXN	QTUM
Technology	99.3%	85.1%
Industrials	0.2%	8.7%
Energy	0.1%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXN vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXN

IXN Risk / Return Rank: 84
IXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IXN Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 90
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

IXN vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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.

	IXN	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	2.94	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.45	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.46	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	5.46	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.35	19.77	-5.41

IXN vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXN Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is comparable to the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXN and QTUM, 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

IXN vs. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXN drawdown since its inception was -55.67%, which is greater than QTUM's maximum drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXN and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXN	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.67%	-38.45%	-17.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.80%	-15.26%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.55%	-25.39%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	-38.45%	+2.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.68%	-4.42%	-2.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.26%	-8.24%	-3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	4.21%	0.00%

Volatility

IXN vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) is 12.01%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.18%. This indicates that IXN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXN	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	14.18%	-2.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.45%	23.17%	-2.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	28.39%	-4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.19%	26.99%	-1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	27.40%	-2.82%

IXN vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXN has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXN vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

IXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, more than QTUM's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	0.78%	1.04%	0.43%	0.55%	0.81%	0.58%	0.63%	1.06%	0.94%	0.93%	1.03%	1.12%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.73%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXN and QTUM in my portfolio?

IXN and QTUM have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXN or QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.18%) compared to IXN (12.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXN dropped -55.67% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, IXN or QTUM?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 28.09% vs 21.51% for IXN. On fees, QTUM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, IXN 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, IXN or QTUM?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 28.09% return vs 21.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXN or QTUM?

QTUM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXN or QTUM?

IXN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.73% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between IXN and QTUM?

IXN tracks S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index, while QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IXN and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.52), 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.