MOTO vs. BOAT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MOTO (SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF) and BOAT (SonicShares Global Shipping ETF) are both Transportation Equities funds. MOTO is actively managed, while BOAT is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MOTO returned 21.21%/yr vs 27.56%/yr for BOAT. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MOTO charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BOAT.

Performance

MOTO vs. BOAT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) and SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MOTO achieves a 31.51% return, which is significantly higher than BOAT's 29.73% return.

MOTO

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 8.20%
• YTD: 31.51%
• 6M: 31.39%
• 1Y: 58.32%
• 3Y*: 21.21%
• 5Y*: 10.48%
• 10Y*: —

BOAT

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 29.73%
• 6M: 28.77%
• 1Y: 49.09%
• 3Y*: 27.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MOTO vs. BOAT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MOTO SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF	31.51%	27.38%	2.01%	27.10%	-27.20%	2.24%
BOAT SonicShares Global Shipping ETF	29.73%	22.77%	5.97%	24.53%	6.26%	23.18%

Correlation

The correlation between MOTO and BOAT is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2021	0.47

The correlation between MOTO and BOAT shifts across timeframes, from 0.33 (1 year) to 0.47 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MOTO vs. BOAT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOTO	BOAT
Technology	45.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	23.5%	-
Industrials	12.8%	25.4%
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Basic Materials	3.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	-
Financial Services	1.0%	4.7%
Utilities	0.7%	-
Energy	-	16.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

MOTO vs. BOAT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOTO

MOTO Risk / Return Rank: 81
MOTO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
MOTO Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
MOTO Omega Ratio Rank: 77
MOTO Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
MOTO Martin Ratio Rank: 80

BOAT

BOAT Risk / Return Rank: 73
BOAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
BOAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BOAT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
BOAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BOAT Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

MOTO vs. BOAT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) and SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT). 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.

	MOTO	BOAT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.77	2.50	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.60	3.30	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.41	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	4.25	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.67	13.13	+2.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MOTO vs. BOAT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOTO Sharpe Ratio is 2.77, which is comparable to the BOAT Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOTO and BOAT, 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

	MOTO	BOAT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.77	2.50	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.93	-0.21

Drawdowns

MOTO vs. BOAT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOTO drawdown since its inception was -38.24%, which is greater than BOAT's maximum drawdown of -33.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOTO and BOAT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOTO	BOAT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.24%	-33.94%	-4.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.36%	-11.60%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.43%	-33.94%	+7.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.70%	+6.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.97%	-9.70%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	3.75%	-0.02%

Volatility

MOTO vs. BOAT - Volatility Comparison

SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) and SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) have volatilities of 7.63% and 7.60%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MOTO	BOAT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.63%	7.60%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.74%	15.34%	+1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.18%	19.77%	+1.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.62%	25.12%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.30%	25.12%	+1.18%

MOTO vs. BOAT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOTO has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than BOAT's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOTO vs. BOAT - Dividend Comparison

MOTO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than BOAT's 6.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BOAT SonicShares Global Shipping ETF	6.32%	8.08%	13.89%	13.65%	13.57%	1.36%	0.00%
MOTO SmartETFs Smart Transportation & Technology ETF	0.80%	1.06%	1.07%	2.73%	2.33%	0.55%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOTO and BOAT in my portfolio?

MOTO and BOAT have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOTO or BOAT?

MOTO has higher volatility (7.63%) compared to BOAT (7.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOTO dropped -38.24% vs BOAT's -33.94%.

Which ETF is better, MOTO or BOAT?

On 3-year performance, BOAT leads with 27.56% vs 21.21% for MOTO. On fees, MOTO is cheaper at 0.68% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOTO or BOAT?

Over the 3-year period, BOAT has performed better with a 27.56% return vs 21.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOTO or BOAT?

MOTO is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BOAT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MOTO or BOAT?

BOAT has the higher dividend yield at 6.32%, compared with 0.80% for MOTO.

What is the main difference between MOTO and BOAT?

They also come from different issuers: Guinness Atkinson Asset Management and Toroso Investments. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for MOTO and 0.69% for BOAT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MOTO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 2.50), 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.