VPN vs. XT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VPN (Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF) and XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - VPN tracks the Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index while XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VPN returned 14.82%/yr vs 7.23%/yr for XT. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VPN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for XT.

Performance

VPN vs. XT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPN achieves a 49.19% return, which is significantly higher than XT's 15.73% return.

VPN

• 1D: -3.02%
• 1M: 3.31%
• YTD: 49.19%
• 6M: 51.34%
• 1Y: 73.85%
• 3Y*: 35.46%
• 5Y*: 14.82%
• 10Y*: —

XT

• 1D: -2.84%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 15.73%
• 6M: 14.43%
• 1Y: 37.71%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 14.88%

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

VPN vs. XT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	49.19%	28.99%	14.92%	18.93%	-30.89%	20.35%	6.60%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	15.73%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	19.43%

Correlation

The correlation between VPN and XT is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2020	0.74

The correlation between VPN and XT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

VPN vs. XT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VPN	XT
Real Estate	58.0%	0.0%
Technology	30.6%	46.7%
Communication Services	10.5%	4.1%
Financial Services	0.9%	3.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.4%
Healthcare	-	24.1%
Industrials	-	7.7%
Utilities	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

VPN vs. XT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPN

VPN Risk / Return Rank: 89
VPN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VPN Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
VPN Omega Ratio Rank: 87
VPN Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VPN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 72
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VPN vs. XT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT). 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.

	VPN	XT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.19	2.19	+1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.84	2.90	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.38	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.76	3.63	+2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.72	14.43	+3.29

VPN vs. XT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPN Sharpe Ratio is 3.19, which is higher than the XT Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPN and XT, 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

VPN vs. XT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPN drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, which is greater than XT's maximum drawdown of -34.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPN and XT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPN	XT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-34.41%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.89%	-10.45%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.96%	-22.09%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.98%	-34.41%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	-4.18%	+1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.28%	-7.39%	-4.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	2.62%	+1.56%

Volatility

VPN vs. XT - Volatility Comparison

Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN) has a higher volatility of 9.71% compared to iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) at 8.14%. This indicates that VPN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPN	XT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.71%	8.14%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.51%	13.78%	+4.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.26%	17.32%	+5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.15%	21.00%	+1.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.10%	20.12%	+1.98%

VPN vs. XT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XT's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPN vs. XT - Dividend Comparison

VPN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than XT's 7.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	0.74%	1.10%	1.72%	1.18%	2.57%	1.27%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	7.08%	7.95%	0.66%	0.41%	0.78%	0.84%	0.77%	1.55%	1.40%	0.97%	1.37%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPN and XT in my portfolio?

VPN and XT have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPN or XT?

VPN has higher volatility (9.71%) compared to XT (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPN dropped -38.98% vs XT's -34.41%.

Which ETF is better, VPN or XT?

On 5-year performance, VPN leads with 14.82% vs 7.23% for XT. On fees, XT is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 8.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPN or XT?

Over the 5-year period, VPN has performed better with a 14.82% return vs 7.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPN or XT?

XT is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for VPN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VPN or XT?

XT has the higher dividend yield at 7.08%, compared with 0.74% for VPN.

What is the main difference between VPN and XT?

VPN tracks Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index, while XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for VPN and 0.46% for XT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.19), 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.