PSWD vs. SOXX

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSWD is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSWD returned 17.15%/yr vs 42.35%/yr for SOXX. Their 0.48 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. PSWD charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

PSWD vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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, PSWD achieves a 26.31% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 67.84% return.

PSWD

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -1.30%
• 6M: 26.74%
• YTD: 26.31%
• 1Y: 20.73%
• 3Y*: 17.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 18.24%

SOXX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -10.85%
• 6M: 45.95%
• YTD: 67.84%
• 1Y: 113.81%
• 3Y*: 42.35%
• 5Y*: 28.10%
• 10Y*: 32.19%
• ALL TIME*: 13.83%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	$62.12K	$66.88K	$71.33K
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	$6.04B	$5.84B	$5.80B

PSWD vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	26.31%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	67.84%	40.74%	12.92%	12.69%

Correlation

The correlation between PSWD and SOXX is 0.34, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.48

The correlation between PSWD and SOXX shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (1 year) to 0.48 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSWD vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSWD	SOXX
Technology	98.1%	100.0%
Industrials	1.1%	-
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Communication Services	0.1%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

PSWD vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 27
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 23

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 90
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

PSWD vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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.

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.

	PSWD	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.69	2.53	-1.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	2.83	-1.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.38	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	3.86	-3.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.78	16.24	-14.46

PSWD vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSWD Sharpe Ratio is 0.69, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSWD 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.

Drawdowns

PSWD vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSWD drawdown since its inception was -23.70%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSWD and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSWD	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.70%	-70.21%	+46.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.70%	-29.01%	+5.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.70%	-41.36%	+17.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.86%	-22.92%	+16.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.43%	-19.92%	+13.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.55%	6.88%	+3.67%

Volatility

PSWD vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) is 8.88%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 17.83%. This indicates that PSWD 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

	PSWD	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	17.83%	-8.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.02%	38.92%	-15.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.31%	44.48%	-17.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.05%	38.24%	-14.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.05%	34.54%	-10.49%

PSWD vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSWD has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSWD vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

PSWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, more than SOXX's 0.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.62%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.29%	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 PSWD and SOXX in my portfolio?

PSWD and SOXX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSWD or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (17.83%) compared to PSWD (8.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSWD dropped -23.70% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, PSWD or SOXX?

On 3-year performance, SOXX leads with 42.35% vs 17.15% for PSWD. On fees, PSWD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PSWD has been the lower-risk option at 8.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSWD or SOXX?

Over the 3-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 42.35% return vs 17.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSWD or SOXX?

PSWD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for SOXX.

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

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.29% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between PSWD and SOXX?

PSWD is categorized as Technology Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PSWD and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 0.69), 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.