TBLU vs. AQWA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

TBLU (Tortoise Global Water Fund) and AQWA (Global X Clean Water ETF) are both Water Equities funds - TBLU tracks the Tortoise Global Water ESG Net Total Return Index while AQWA tracks the Solactive Global Clean Water Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, TBLU returned 4.30%/yr vs 5.11%/yr for AQWA. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TBLU charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for AQWA.

Performance

TBLU vs. AQWA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) and Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TBLU achieves a 1.94% return, which is significantly lower than AQWA's 2.91% return.

TBLU

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 2.88%
• 6M: -2.01%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 1Y: -0.39%
• 3Y*: 9.26%
• 5Y*: 4.30%
• 10Y*: —

AQWA

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 2.49%
• 6M: -0.31%
• YTD: 2.91%
• 1Y: 2.09%
• 3Y*: 8.81%
• 5Y*: 5.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

TBLU vs. AQWA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TBLU Tortoise Global Water Fund	1.94%	11.82%	8.54%	20.95%	-25.99%	19.82%
AQWA Global X Clean Water ETF	2.91%	13.15%	4.34%	20.13%	-19.89%	15.67%

Correlation

The correlation between TBLU and AQWA is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2021	0.89

The correlation between TBLU and AQWA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TBLU vs. AQWA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TBLU

TBLU Risk / Return Rank: 9
TBLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
TBLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
TBLU Omega Ratio Rank: 8
TBLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
TBLU Martin Ratio Rank: 9

AQWA

AQWA Risk / Return Rank: 11
AQWA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
AQWA Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
AQWA Omega Ratio Rank: 11
AQWA Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
AQWA Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

TBLU vs. AQWA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) and Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA). 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.

	TBLU	AQWA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	0.14	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.07	0.31	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.04	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	0.17	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.06	0.37	-0.44

TBLU vs. AQWA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TBLU Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the AQWA Sharpe Ratio of 0.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TBLU and AQWA, 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

TBLU vs. AQWA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TBLU drawdown since its inception was -37.58%, which is greater than AQWA's maximum drawdown of -29.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TBLU and AQWA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TBLU	AQWA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.58%	-29.44%	-8.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.17%	-12.34%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.42%	-14.55%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.36%	-29.44%	-5.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.11%	-7.56%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-8.27%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.24%	5.61%	+0.63%

Volatility

TBLU vs. AQWA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is 4.22%, while Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that TBLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AQWA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TBLU	AQWA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	4.88%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	11.49%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.86%	14.72%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.38%	16.83%	+0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	16.64%	+2.28%

TBLU vs. AQWA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TBLU has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than AQWA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

TBLU vs. AQWA - Dividend Comparison

TBLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than AQWA's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AQWA Global X Clean Water ETF	1.56%	1.47%	1.40%	1.53%	1.56%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TBLU Tortoise Global Water Fund	3.47%	3.31%	1.34%	1.46%	1.64%	1.55%	1.42%	1.58%	1.35%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TBLU and AQWA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, TBLU and AQWA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, TBLU or AQWA?

AQWA has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to TBLU (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TBLU dropped -37.58% vs AQWA's -29.44%.

Which ETF is better, TBLU or AQWA?

On 5-year performance, AQWA leads with 5.11% vs 4.30% for TBLU. On fees, TBLU is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, TBLU has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TBLU or AQWA?

Over the 5-year period, AQWA has performed better with a 5.11% return vs 4.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TBLU or AQWA?

TBLU is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for AQWA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TBLU or AQWA?

TBLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 1.56% for AQWA.

What is the main difference between TBLU and AQWA?

TBLU tracks Tortoise Global Water ESG Net Total Return Index, while AQWA tracks Solactive Global Clean Water Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Tortoise and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for TBLU and 0.50% for AQWA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AQWA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.14 vs -0.03), 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.