SLDR vs. AIQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SLDR (Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF) and AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLDR is a Government Bonds fund tracking the FTSE US Treasury 1-3 Years Laddered Bond Index, while AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SLDR returned 2.74% vs 51.28% for AIQ. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. SLDR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for AIQ.

Performance

SLDR vs. AIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (SLDR) 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, SLDR achieves a 0.35% return, which is significantly lower than AIQ's 24.56% return.

SLDR

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 2.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIQ

• 1D: -5.57%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 24.56%
• 6M: 23.60%
• 1Y: 51.28%
• 3Y*: 32.41%
• 5Y*: 16.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

SLDR vs. AIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SLDR Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	0.35%	4.60%	0.66%
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	24.56%	31.89%	14.62%

Correlation

The correlation between SLDR and AIQ is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	-0.02

The correlation between SLDR and AIQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (all time) to 0.13 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SLDR vs. AIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLDR

SLDR Risk / Return Rank: 77
SLDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
SLDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
SLDR Omega Ratio Rank: 90
SLDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
SLDR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 58
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

SLDR vs. AIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (SLDR) 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.

	SLDR	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.94	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	2.44	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.34	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	3.13	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.79	10.06	+1.73

SLDR vs. AIQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLDR Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the AIQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLDR 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

SLDR vs. AIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLDR drawdown since its inception was -0.87%, smaller than the maximum AIQ drawdown of -44.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLDR and AIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLDR	AIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-44.66%	+43.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.87%	-16.47%	+15.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-44.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-9.68%	+9.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.14%	-9.78%	+9.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.23%	5.11%	-4.88%

Volatility

SLDR vs. AIQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (SLDR) is 0.43%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a volatility of 15.10%. This indicates that SLDR 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

	SLDR	AIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.43%	15.10%	-14.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.85%	22.68%	-21.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28%	26.54%	-25.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.25%	26.01%	-24.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.25%	25.84%	-24.59%

SLDR vs. AIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLDR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than AIQ's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLDR vs. AIQ - Dividend Comparison

SLDR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, more than AIQ's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.15%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%
SLDR Global X Short-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	3.72%	3.80%	0.98%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLDR and AIQ in my portfolio?

SLDR and AIQ have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLDR or AIQ?

AIQ has higher volatility (15.10%) compared to SLDR (0.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLDR dropped -0.87% vs AIQ's -44.66%.

Which ETF is better, SLDR or AIQ?

On 1-year performance, AIQ leads with 51.28% vs 2.74% for SLDR. On fees, SLDR is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SLDR has been the lower-risk option at 0.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLDR or AIQ?

Over the 1-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 51.28% return vs 2.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLDR or AIQ?

SLDR is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for AIQ.

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

SLDR has the higher dividend yield at 3.72%, compared with 0.15% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between SLDR and AIQ?

SLDR is categorized as Government Bonds, while AIQ is Technology Equities. SLDR tracks FTSE US Treasury 1-3 Years Laddered Bond Index, while AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for SLDR and 0.68% for AIQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLDR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.94), 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.