ROBO vs. AIQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF) and AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROBO is a Robotics fund tracking the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index, while AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ROBO returned 6.41%/yr vs 17.67%/yr for AIQ. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ROBO charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for AIQ.

Performance

ROBO vs. AIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBO achieves a 25.02% return, which is significantly lower than AIQ's 31.91% return.

ROBO

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 25.02%
• 6M: 24.43%
• 1Y: 54.66%
• 3Y*: 15.63%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 13.65%

AIQ

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 6.81%
• YTD: 31.91%
• 6M: 31.25%
• 1Y: 61.99%
• 3Y*: 34.97%
• 5Y*: 17.67%
• 10Y*: —

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

ROBO vs. AIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	25.02%	23.71%	-1.28%	23.74%	-33.92%	15.34%	45.26%	29.51%	-21.68%
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	31.91%	31.89%	24.11%	55.39%	-36.44%	17.09%	52.88%	39.94%	-14.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBO and AIQ 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	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2018	0.85

The correlation between ROBO and AIQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROBO vs. AIQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROBO	AIQ
Industrials	45.3%	3.4%
Technology	43.6%	77.4%
Healthcare	4.6%	0.4%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	7.2%
Financial Services	1.9%	0.5%
Communication Services	1.4%	11.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ROBO vs. AIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBO

ROBO Risk / Return Rank: 67
ROBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ROBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ROBO Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ROBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ROBO Martin Ratio Rank: 67

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 71
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

ROBO vs. AIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ). 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.

	ROBO	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	2.41	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.94	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	3.78	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	12.25	-0.33

ROBO vs. AIQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBO Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the AIQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBO and AIQ, 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

ROBO vs. AIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBO drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, roughly equal to the maximum AIQ drawdown of -44.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBO and AIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBO	AIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-44.66%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.35%	-16.47%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.92%	-26.35%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.65%	-44.66%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.08%	-4.35%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.91%	-9.78%	-3.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.60%	5.08%	-0.48%

Volatility

ROBO vs. AIQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is 10.76%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a volatility of 13.84%. This indicates that ROBO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBO	AIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.76%	13.84%	-3.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.98%	21.92%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.69%	25.95%	-1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.98%	25.89%	-1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.32%	25.77%	-2.45%

ROBO vs. AIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROBO has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than AIQ's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROBO vs. AIQ - Dividend Comparison

ROBO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, more than AIQ's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.14%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	0.34%	0.42%	0.55%	0.05%	0.00%	0.18%	0.20%	0.37%	0.37%	0.02%	0.19%	0.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROBO and AIQ in my portfolio?

ROBO and AIQ 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, ROBO or AIQ?

AIQ has higher volatility (13.84%) compared to ROBO (10.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBO dropped -43.65% vs AIQ's -44.66%.

Which ETF is better, ROBO or AIQ?

On 5-year performance, AIQ leads with 17.67% vs 6.41% for ROBO. On fees, AIQ is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, ROBO has been the lower-risk option at 10.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROBO or AIQ?

Over the 5-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 17.67% return vs 6.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROBO or AIQ?

AIQ is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ROBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ROBO or AIQ?

ROBO has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.14% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between ROBO and AIQ?

ROBO is categorized as Robotics, while AIQ is Technology Equities. ROBO tracks ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index, while AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for ROBO and 0.68% for AIQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.23), 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.