RYLG vs. AIQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

RYLG (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF) and AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RYLG is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe Russell 2000 Half BuyWrite Index, while AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, RYLG returned 12.17%/yr vs 28.50%/yr for AIQ. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RYLG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for AIQ.

Performance

RYLG vs. AIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG) 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, RYLG achieves a 15.01% return, which is significantly lower than AIQ's 20.53% return.

RYLG

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 1.10%
• 6M: 10.22%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 1Y: 26.35%
• 3Y*: 12.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIQ

• 1D: -3.37%
• 1M: -4.22%
• 6M: 15.33%
• YTD: 20.53%
• 1Y: 41.76%
• 3Y*: 28.50%
• 5Y*: 15.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

RYLG vs. AIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
RYLG Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF	15.01%	9.39%	10.57%	8.33%	-2.32%
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	20.53%	31.89%	24.11%	55.39%	-1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between RYLG and AIQ is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 5, 2022	0.71

The correlation between RYLG and AIQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

RYLG vs. AIQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RYLG	AIQ
Technology	19.0%	77.4%
Industrials	18.0%	3.4%
Healthcare	16.3%	0.4%
Financial Services	15.5%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	7.2%
Real Estate	5.9%	-
Energy	5.4%	-
Basic Materials	4.7%	-
Utilities	2.8%	-
Communication Services	2.4%	11.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	-

Return for Risk

RYLG vs. AIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYLG

RYLG Risk / Return Rank: 73
RYLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
RYLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
RYLG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
RYLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
RYLG Martin Ratio Rank: 81

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 56
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 54
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

RYLG vs. AIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG) 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.

	RYLG	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.53	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.00	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.27	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	2.55	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.43	7.51	+4.93

RYLG vs. AIQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the AIQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYLG 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

RYLG vs. AIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYLG drawdown since its inception was -22.37%, smaller than the maximum AIQ drawdown of -44.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYLG and AIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYLG	AIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.37%	-44.66%	+22.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-16.47%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.37%	-26.35%	+3.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-44.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-12.60%	+11.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-9.78%	+5.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	5.58%	-3.45%

Volatility

RYLG vs. AIQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG) is 3.09%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a volatility of 12.63%. This indicates that RYLG 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

	RYLG	AIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	12.63%	-9.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.96%	23.89%	-12.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.94%	27.53%	-12.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.05%	26.23%	-9.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.05%	25.91%	-8.86%

RYLG vs. AIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYLG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than AIQ's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYLG vs. AIQ - Dividend Comparison

RYLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.25%, more than AIQ's 0.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.07%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%
RYLG Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF	10.25%	10.82%	23.73%	5.78%	4.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYLG and AIQ in my portfolio?

RYLG and AIQ have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RYLG or AIQ?

AIQ has higher volatility (12.63%) compared to RYLG (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYLG dropped -22.37% vs AIQ's -44.66%.

Which ETF is better, RYLG or AIQ?

On 3-year performance, AIQ leads with 28.50% vs 12.17% for RYLG. On fees, RYLG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RYLG has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RYLG or AIQ?

Over the 3-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 28.50% return vs 12.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RYLG or AIQ?

RYLG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for AIQ.

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

RYLG has the higher dividend yield at 10.25%, compared with 0.07% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between RYLG and AIQ?

RYLG is categorized as Derivative Income, while AIQ is Technology Equities. RYLG tracks Cboe Russell 2000 Half BuyWrite Index, while AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for RYLG and 0.68% for AIQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.53), 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.