WISE vs. VOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WISE (Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - WISE tracks the Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VOX tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WISE returned 36.46% vs 20.55% for VOX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WISE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VOX.

Performance

WISE vs. VOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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 higher than VOX's -1.38% return.

WISE

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

VOX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: -1.38%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 24.02%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

WISE vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	11.03%	5.88%	40.45%	7.55%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.38%	26.27%	33.12%	4.05%

Correlation

The correlation between WISE and VOX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2023	0.63

The correlation between WISE and VOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

WISE vs. VOX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WISE	VOX
Technology	90.4%	1.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	0.2%
Communication Services	3.2%	98.4%
Industrials	1.5%	0.0%
Healthcare	0.7%	0.0%
Utilities	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

WISE vs. VOX — 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

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	1.34	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	2.00	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.07	1.52	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	5.83	-3.24
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. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WISE Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is comparable to the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WISE and VOX, 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	VOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.14	1.34	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	0.43	+0.35

Drawdowns

WISE vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WISE drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WISE and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WISE	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-57.18%	+18.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.08%	-13.56%	-20.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.15%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.48%	-4.70%	-0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-11.91%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.15%	3.54%	+10.61%

Volatility

WISE vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) has a higher volatility of 10.83% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 4.24%. This indicates that WISE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WISE	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.83%	4.24%	+6.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.11%	11.16%	+12.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.26%	15.45%	+16.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.55%	21.15%	+12.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.55%	20.89%	+12.66%

WISE vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WISE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

WISE vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison

WISE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, more than VOX's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.00%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	3.71%	4.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WISE and VOX in my portfolio?

WISE and VOX have a correlation of 0.57, 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 VOX?

WISE has higher volatility (10.83%) compared to VOX (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WISE dropped -39.15% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, WISE or VOX?

On 1-year performance, WISE leads with 36.46% vs 20.55% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WISE or VOX?

Over the 1-year period, WISE has performed better with a 36.46% return vs 20.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WISE or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for WISE.

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

WISE has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 1.00% for VOX.

What is the main difference between WISE and VOX?

WISE tracks Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WISE and 0.10% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 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.