KNO vs. FWD

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

KNO (AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF) and FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, KNO returned 29.48% vs 51.99% for FWD. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KNO charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FWD.

Performance

KNO vs. FWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KNO achieves a 21.26% return, which is significantly lower than FWD's 29.25% return.

KNO

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: 2.52%
• 6M: 18.30%
• YTD: 21.26%
• 1Y: 29.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FWD

• 1D: -3.71%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 21.15%
• YTD: 29.25%
• 1Y: 51.99%
• 3Y*: 35.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KNO vs. FWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	21.26%	19.84%	-1.19%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	29.25%	32.00%	7.16%

Correlation

The correlation between KNO and FWD is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2024	0.74

The correlation between KNO and FWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KNO vs. FWD — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNO

KNO Risk / Return Rank: 63
KNO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
KNO Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
KNO Omega Ratio Rank: 63
KNO Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
KNO Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 72
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

KNO vs. FWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). 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.

	KNO	FWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.88	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.38	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	4.01	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.13	13.16	-3.02

KNO vs. FWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNO Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the FWD Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNO and FWD, 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

KNO vs. FWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNO drawdown since its inception was -15.50%, smaller than the maximum FWD drawdown of -29.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNO and FWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNO	FWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.50%	-29.02%	+13.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.67%	-13.03%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.02%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.53%	-9.33%	+4.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.92%	-4.07%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.96%	-1.04%

Volatility

KNO vs. FWD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is 10.15%, while AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) has a volatility of 14.81%. This indicates that KNO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KNO	FWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.15%	14.81%	-4.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.77%	23.31%	-7.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.66%	27.83%	-10.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.40%	25.69%	-8.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	25.69%	-8.29%

KNO vs. FWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNO has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than FWD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNO vs. FWD - Dividend Comparison

KNO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than FWD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.09%	0.11%	1.89%
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	0.89%	1.08%	3.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNO and FWD in my portfolio?

KNO and FWD have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNO or FWD?

FWD has higher volatility (14.81%) compared to KNO (10.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNO dropped -15.50% vs FWD's -29.02%.

Which ETF is better, KNO or FWD?

On 1-year performance, FWD leads with 51.99% vs 29.48% for KNO. On fees, FWD is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, KNO has been the lower-risk option at 10.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNO or FWD?

Over the 1-year period, FWD has performed better with a 51.99% return vs 29.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNO or FWD?

FWD is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for KNO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KNO or FWD?

KNO has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.09% for FWD.

What is the main difference between KNO and FWD?

They also come from different issuers: AXS and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for KNO and 0.65% for FWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FWD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.68), 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.