ROBT vs. XT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) and XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index while XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ROBT returned 0.55%/yr vs 8.06%/yr for XT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ROBT charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for XT.

Performance

ROBT vs. XT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBT achieves a 6.06% return, which is significantly lower than XT's 19.11% return.

ROBT

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 6M: 3.83%
• 1Y: 20.72%
• 3Y*: 7.82%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

XT

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 19.11%
• 6M: 18.09%
• 1Y: 43.47%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

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

ROBT vs. XT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	6.06%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-14.66%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	19.11%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	35.10%	30.74%	-8.17%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBT and XT is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2018	0.92

The correlation between ROBT and XT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROBT vs. XT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROBT	XT
Technology	58.6%	46.7%
Industrials	20.1%	7.7%
Healthcare	6.9%	24.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	7.4%
Communication Services	3.8%	4.1%
Financial Services	1.5%	3.0%
Energy	1.3%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

ROBT vs. XT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 23
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 22
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 22

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 81
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. XT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT). 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	XT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	2.56	-1.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	3.35	-2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.44	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	4.18	-3.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.69	16.72	-14.03

ROBT vs. XT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBT Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is lower than the XT Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBT and XT, 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. XT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBT drawdown since its inception was -44.47%, which is greater than XT's maximum drawdown of -34.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBT and XT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBT	XT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.47%	-34.41%	-10.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.66%	-10.45%	-11.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.68%	-22.09%	-5.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.26%	-34.41%	-8.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.74%	-1.38%	-7.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.92%	-7.39%	-8.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.72%	2.61%	+5.11%

Volatility

ROBT vs. XT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a higher volatility of 10.60% compared to iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) at 7.54%. This indicates that ROBT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBT	XT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.60%	7.54%	+3.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.20%	13.49%	+5.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.69%	17.10%	+7.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.46%	20.96%	+4.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.58%	20.17%	+5.41%

ROBT vs. XT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROBT has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than XT's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROBT vs. XT - Dividend Comparison

ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.88%.

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%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	6.88%	7.95%	0.66%	0.41%	0.78%	0.84%	0.77%	1.55%	1.40%	0.97%	1.37%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROBT and XT in my portfolio?

ROBT and XT have a correlation of 0.87, 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 XT?

ROBT has higher volatility (10.60%) compared to XT (7.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBT dropped -44.47% vs XT's -34.41%.

Which ETF is better, ROBT or XT?

On 5-year performance, XT leads with 8.06% vs 0.55% for ROBT. On fees, XT is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 7.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROBT or XT?

Over the 5-year period, XT has performed better with a 8.06% return vs 0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROBT or XT?

XT is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ROBT.

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

XT has the higher dividend yield at 6.88%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between ROBT and XT?

ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, while XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for ROBT and 0.46% for XT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 0.84), 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.