WISE vs. CRTC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WISE (Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and CRTC (Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - WISE tracks the Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross while CRTC tracks the Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WISE returned 17.25% vs 16.75% for CRTC. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

WISE vs. CRTC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WISE achieves a -2.18% return, which is significantly lower than CRTC's 4.11% return.

WISE

• 1D: -3.61%
• 1M: -5.13%
• YTD: -2.18%
• 6M: -3.57%
• 1Y: 17.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CRTC

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -1.92%
• YTD: 4.11%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 16.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WISE vs. CRTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	-2.18%	5.88%	40.45%	8.33%
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	4.11%	18.69%	18.05%	4.62%

Correlation

The correlation between WISE and CRTC is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.79

The correlation between WISE and CRTC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

WISE vs. CRTC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WISE	CRTC
Technology	91.4%	39.5%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	5.4%
Communication Services	2.7%	15.0%
Industrials	1.4%	12.6%
Healthcare	0.7%	12.7%
Utilities	0.4%	5.3%
Basic Materials	-	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	6.0%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

WISE vs. CRTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

WISE

WISE Risk / Return Rank: 16
WISE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Omega Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
WISE Martin Ratio Rank: 14

CRTC

CRTC Risk / Return Rank: 38
CRTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
CRTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CRTC Omega Ratio Rank: 35
CRTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
CRTC Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. CRTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC). 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.

	WISE	CRTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	1.24	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.91	1.70	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.22	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.51	1.86	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.20	6.48	-5.28

WISE vs. CRTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WISE Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the CRTC Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WISE and CRTC, 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

WISE vs. CRTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WISE drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, which is greater than CRTC's maximum drawdown of -19.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WISE and CRTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	WISE	CRTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-19.07%	-20.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.08%	-9.05%	-25.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.72%	-5.35%	-11.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-2.17%	-9.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.44%	2.59%	+11.85%

Volatility

WISE vs. CRTC - Volatility Comparison

Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) has a higher volatility of 13.48% compared to Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) at 5.76%. This indicates that WISE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CRTC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WISE	CRTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.48%	5.76%	+7.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.50%	10.64%	+14.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.41%	13.55%	+19.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.85%	15.88%	+17.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.85%	15.88%	+17.97%

WISE vs. CRTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both WISE and CRTC have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

WISE vs. CRTC - Dividend Comparison

WISE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than CRTC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	0.91%	1.03%	1.13%	0.16%
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	4.22%	4.12%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WISE and CRTC in my portfolio?

WISE and CRTC have a correlation of 0.80, 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 CRTC?

WISE has higher volatility (13.48%) compared to CRTC (5.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WISE dropped -39.15% vs CRTC's -19.07%.

Which ETF is better, WISE or CRTC?

On 1-year performance, WISE leads with 17.25% vs 16.75% for CRTC. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, CRTC has been the lower-risk option at 5.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WISE or CRTC?

Over the 1-year period, WISE has performed better with a 17.25% return vs 16.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WISE or CRTC?

WISE and CRTC have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

WISE has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 0.91% for CRTC.

What is the main difference between WISE and CRTC?

WISE tracks Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while CRTC tracks Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and Xtrackers.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CRTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 0.52), 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.