WISE vs. ALAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WISE (Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and ALAI (Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. WISE is passively managed, while ALAI is actively managed. Over the past year, WISE returned 36.46% vs 63.92% for ALAI. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WISE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ALAI.

Performance

WISE vs. ALAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WISE achieves a 11.03% return, which is significantly lower than ALAI's 27.17% return.

WISE

• 1D: -3.13%
• 1M: 11.81%
• YTD: 11.03%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 36.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ALAI

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 13.53%
• YTD: 27.17%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 63.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WISE vs. ALAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	11.03%	5.88%	30.96%
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	27.17%	39.81%	31.43%

Correlation

The correlation between WISE and ALAI is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2024	0.75

The correlation between WISE and ALAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

WISE vs. ALAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WISE	ALAI
Technology	90.4%	55.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	13.7%
Communication Services	3.2%	20.1%
Industrials	1.5%	3.2%
Healthcare	0.7%	2.8%
Utilities	0.3%	2.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	2.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

WISE vs. ALAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

WISE

WISE Risk / Return Rank: 27
WISE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
WISE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
WISE Omega Ratio Rank: 29
WISE Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
WISE Martin Ratio Rank: 21

ALAI

ALAI Risk / Return Rank: 70
ALAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ALAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
ALAI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
ALAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ALAI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

WISE vs. ALAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI). 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.

	WISE	ALAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	2.67	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	3.27	-1.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.42	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.07	3.30	-2.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	10.58	-8.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WISE vs. ALAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WISE Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is lower than the ALAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WISE and ALAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WISE	ALAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.14	2.67	-1.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	1.71	-0.93

Drawdowns

WISE vs. ALAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WISE drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, which is greater than ALAI's maximum drawdown of -29.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WISE and ALAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	WISE	ALAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-29.36%	-9.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.08%	-19.48%	-14.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.48%	-1.69%	-3.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-5.14%	-6.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.15%	6.06%	+8.09%

Volatility

WISE vs. ALAI - Volatility Comparison

Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) has a higher volatility of 10.83% compared to Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) at 6.97%. This indicates that WISE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ALAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WISE	ALAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.83%	6.97%	+3.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.11%	18.57%	+5.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.26%	24.06%	+8.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.55%	28.41%	+5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.55%	28.41%	+5.14%

WISE vs. ALAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

WISE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ALAI's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

WISE vs. ALAI - Dividend Comparison

WISE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, more than ALAI's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	1.18%	1.50%	0.66%
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	3.71%	4.12%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WISE and ALAI in my portfolio?

WISE and ALAI have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WISE or ALAI?

WISE has higher volatility (10.83%) compared to ALAI (6.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WISE dropped -39.15% vs ALAI's -29.36%.

Which ETF is better, WISE or ALAI?

On 1-year performance, ALAI leads with 63.92% vs 36.46% for WISE. On fees, WISE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, ALAI has been the lower-risk option at 6.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WISE or ALAI?

Over the 1-year period, ALAI has performed better with a 63.92% return vs 36.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WISE or ALAI?

WISE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ALAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WISE or ALAI?

WISE has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 1.18% for ALAI.

What is the main difference between WISE and ALAI?

They also come from different issuers: Themes and Alger. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WISE and 0.55% for ALAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.14), 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.