ROBT vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ROBT returned 2.38%/yr vs 23.83%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ROBT charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

ROBT vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBT achieves a 14.22% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 36.47% return.

ROBT

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: 13.18%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 12.64%
• 1Y: 30.71%
• 3Y*: 10.10%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 21.09%
• YTD: 36.47%
• 6M: 35.71%
• 1Y: 66.93%
• 3Y*: 33.90%
• 5Y*: 23.83%
• 10Y*: 25.84%

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

ROBT vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	14.22%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-13.98%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	36.47%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-6.00%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBT and XLK is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2018	0.82

The correlation between ROBT and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROBT vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROBT	XLK
Technology	57.0%	99.7%
Industrials	20.4%	0.1%
Healthcare	7.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	-
Communication Services	4.1%	-
Financial Services	1.6%	-
Energy	1.5%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ROBT vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 32
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 28

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 83
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	ROBT	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	3.24	-1.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	3.92	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.52	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	4.22	-2.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.09	14.16	-10.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ROBT vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBT Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 3.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBT and XLK, 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

	ROBT	XLK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	3.24	-1.91
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.96	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.42	-0.07

Drawdowns

ROBT vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBT drawdown since its inception was -44.47%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBT and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBT	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.47%	-82.05%	+37.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.66%	-15.92%	-5.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.68%	-25.66%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.26%	-33.56%	-9.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-1.00%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.97%	-34.96%	+18.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.53%	4.74%	+2.79%

Volatility

ROBT vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) is 6.46%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 6.98%. This indicates that ROBT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBT	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.46%	6.98%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.51%	16.68%	+0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.32%	20.82%	+2.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.18%	24.90%	+0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.48%	24.49%	+0.99%

ROBT vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROBT has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROBT vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.39%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROBT and XLK in my portfolio?

ROBT and XLK have a correlation of 0.79, 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 XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (6.98%) compared to ROBT (6.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBT dropped -44.47% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, ROBT or XLK?

On 5-year performance, XLK leads with 23.83% vs 2.38% for ROBT. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROBT or XLK?

Over the 5-year period, XLK has performed better with a 23.83% return vs 2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROBT or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ROBT.

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between ROBT and XLK?

ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for ROBT and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.24 vs 1.32), 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.