SEMI vs. XAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SEMI (Columbia Select Technology ETF) and XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SEMI is a Semiconductors fund actively managed by Columbia, while XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index. SEMI is actively managed, while XAIX is passively managed. Over the past year, SEMI returned 41.75% vs 42.95% for XAIX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEMI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAIX.

Performance

SEMI vs. XAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEMI achieves a 24.20% return, which is significantly lower than XAIX's 26.22% return.

SEMI

• 1D: -2.67%
• 1M: -1.30%
• 6M: 19.87%
• YTD: 24.20%
• 1Y: 41.75%
• 3Y*: 24.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XAIX

• 1D: -2.92%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 22.58%
• YTD: 26.22%
• 1Y: 42.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEMI vs. XAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	24.20%	24.91%	4.77%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	26.22%	29.05%	15.21%

Correlation

The correlation between SEMI and XAIX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.87

The correlation between SEMI and XAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEMI vs. XAIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEMI	XAIX
Technology	85.5%	77.4%
Communication Services	7.7%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.7%	7.1%
Financial Services	3.1%	4.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

SEMI vs. XAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEMI

SEMI Risk / Return Rank: 62
SEMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SEMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SEMI Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SEMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SEMI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SEMI vs. XAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). 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.

	SEMI	XAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.73	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.26	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.31	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	3.08	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.03	9.39	+0.64

SEMI vs. XAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEMI Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the XAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEMI and XAIX, 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

SEMI vs. XAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEMI drawdown since its inception was -33.46%, which is greater than XAIX's maximum drawdown of -23.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEMI and XAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEMI	XAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.46%	-23.95%	-9.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.41%	-14.01%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.57%	-11.13%	+4.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.80%	-3.71%	-6.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	4.59%	-0.41%

Volatility

SEMI vs. XAIX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) has a higher volatility of 12.66% compared to Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) at 11.70%. This indicates that SEMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEMI	XAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.66%	11.70%	+0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.07%	22.39%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.14%	25.06%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.00%	24.98%	+7.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	24.98%	+7.02%

SEMI vs. XAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEMI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XAIX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEMI vs. XAIX - Dividend Comparison

SEMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, more than XAIX's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	3.61%	4.48%	0.96%	0.87%	0.67%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEMI and XAIX in my portfolio?

SEMI and XAIX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEMI or XAIX?

SEMI has higher volatility (12.66%) compared to XAIX (11.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEMI dropped -33.46% vs XAIX's -23.95%.

Which ETF is better, SEMI or XAIX?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 42.95% vs 41.75% for SEMI. On fees, XAIX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XAIX has been the lower-risk option at 11.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEMI or XAIX?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 42.95% return vs 41.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEMI or XAIX?

XAIX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SEMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEMI or XAIX?

SEMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 0.41% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between SEMI and XAIX?

SEMI is categorized as Semiconductors, while XAIX is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Columbia and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SEMI and 0.35% for XAIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.61), 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.