THNQ vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

THNQ (ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - THNQ tracks the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index while QTUM tracks the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, THNQ returned 15.08%/yr vs 28.34%/yr for QTUM. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. THNQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

THNQ vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, THNQ achieves a 36.10% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 49.25% return.

THNQ

• 1D: -3.25%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 36.10%
• 6M: 33.52%
• 1Y: 66.41%
• 3Y*: 35.10%
• 5Y*: 15.08%
• 10Y*: —

QTUM

• 1D: -3.12%
• 1M: 6.45%
• YTD: 49.25%
• 6M: 46.84%
• 1Y: 87.39%
• 3Y*: 51.19%
• 5Y*: 28.34%
• 10Y*: —

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

THNQ vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	36.10%	29.83%	18.82%	56.81%	-39.84%	9.10%	60.92%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	49.25%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	52.20%

Correlation

The correlation between THNQ and QTUM is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.86

The correlation between THNQ and QTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

THNQ vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	THNQ	QTUM
Technology	74.2%	81.6%
Communication Services	10.5%	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	2.1%
Healthcare	5.2%	1.0%
Financial Services	1.4%	0.0%
Industrials	0.8%	8.8%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

THNQ vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

THNQ

THNQ Risk / Return Rank: 70
THNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
THNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
THNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 65
THNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
THNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 88
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

THNQ vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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.

	THNQ	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	3.02	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.51	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.47	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	5.76	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.47	20.75	-9.28

THNQ vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current THNQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 3.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of THNQ and QTUM, 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

THNQ vs. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum THNQ drawdown since its inception was -50.56%, which is greater than QTUM's maximum drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for THNQ and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	THNQ	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.56%	-38.45%	-12.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.39%	-15.26%	-3.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.88%	-25.39%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.56%	-38.45%	-12.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.60%	-3.21%	-4.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.00%	-8.22%	-6.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.81%	4.23%	+1.58%

Volatility

THNQ vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) is 13.15%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.89%. This indicates that THNQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	THNQ	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.15%	14.89%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.09%	23.70%	-0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.49%	29.10%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.48%	27.17%	+2.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.89%	27.48%	+1.41%

THNQ vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

THNQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

THNQ vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

THNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than QTUM's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.72%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.15%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both THNQ and QTUM in my portfolio?

THNQ and QTUM have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, THNQ or QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.89%) compared to THNQ (13.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, THNQ dropped -50.56% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, THNQ or QTUM?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 28.34% vs 15.08% for THNQ. On fees, QTUM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, THNQ has been the lower-risk option at 13.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, THNQ or QTUM?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 28.34% return vs 15.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, THNQ or QTUM?

QTUM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for THNQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, THNQ or QTUM?

QTUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.15% for THNQ.

What is the main difference between THNQ and QTUM?

THNQ tracks ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, while QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for THNQ and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 2.34), 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.