ROBT vs. FIW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) and FIW (First Trust Water ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, while FIW is a Water Equities fund tracking the ISE Clean Edge Water Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ROBT returned -0.08%/yr vs 5.63%/yr for FIW. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ROBT charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FIW.

Performance

ROBT vs. FIW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBT achieves a 3.51% return, which is significantly higher than FIW's -3.00% return.

ROBT

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -3.90%
• YTD: 3.51%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 17.15%
• 3Y*: 6.95%
• 5Y*: -0.08%
• 10Y*: —

FIW

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 2.90%
• YTD: -3.00%
• 6M: -4.67%
• 1Y: -1.15%
• 3Y*: 7.63%
• 5Y*: 5.63%
• 10Y*: 12.64%

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

ROBT vs. FIW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	3.51%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-14.66%
FIW First Trust Water ETF	-3.00%	7.20%	8.38%	20.35%	-15.70%	32.00%	21.15%	37.37%	-7.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBT and FIW is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2018	0.71

The correlation between ROBT and FIW shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ROBT vs. FIW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROBT	FIW
Technology	58.6%	8.1%
Industrials	20.1%	54.1%
Healthcare	6.9%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	2.7%
Communication Services	3.8%	-
Financial Services	1.5%	-
Energy	1.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	2.7%
Basic Materials	-	5.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	16.2%

Return for Risk

ROBT vs. FIW — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 20
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 20

FIW

FIW Risk / Return Rank: 8
FIW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
FIW Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FIW Omega Ratio Rank: 7
FIW Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
FIW Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

ROBT vs. FIW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). 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.

	ROBT	FIW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.70	-0.07	+0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	0.01	+1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.00	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	-0.08	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.22	-0.20	+2.42

ROBT vs. FIW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBT Sharpe Ratio is 0.70, which is higher than the FIW Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBT and FIW, 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

ROBT vs. FIW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBT drawdown since its inception was -44.47%, smaller than the maximum FIW drawdown of -52.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBT and FIW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBT	FIW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.47%	-52.75%	+8.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.66%	-13.81%	-7.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.68%	-18.32%	-9.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.26%	-28.53%	-14.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.93%	-9.03%	-1.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.91%	-8.30%	-7.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.75%	5.70%	+2.05%

Volatility

ROBT vs. FIW - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a higher volatility of 10.81% compared to First Trust Water ETF (FIW) at 4.68%. This indicates that ROBT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FIW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBT	FIW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.81%	4.68%	+6.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.33%	11.92%	+7.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.76%	15.78%	+8.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.49%	18.39%	+7.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.59%	19.89%	+5.70%

ROBT vs. FIW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROBT has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FIW's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROBT vs. FIW - Dividend Comparison

ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FIW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIW First Trust Water ETF	0.78%	0.69%	0.69%	0.68%	0.67%	0.37%	0.56%	0.55%	0.73%	1.13%	0.51%	0.76%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROBT and FIW in my portfolio?

ROBT and FIW have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROBT or FIW?

ROBT has higher volatility (10.81%) compared to FIW (4.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBT dropped -44.47% vs FIW's -52.75%.

Which ETF is better, ROBT or FIW?

On 5-year performance, FIW leads with 5.63% vs -0.08% for ROBT. On fees, FIW is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FIW has been the lower-risk option at 4.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROBT or FIW?

Over the 5-year period, FIW has performed better with a 5.63% return vs -0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROBT or FIW?

FIW is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ROBT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ROBT or FIW?

FIW has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between ROBT and FIW?

ROBT is categorized as Technology Equities, while FIW is Water Equities. ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, while FIW tracks ISE Clean Edge Water Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for ROBT and 0.50% for FIW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROBT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.70 vs -0.07), 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.