WISE vs. XT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

WISE (Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - WISE tracks the Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross while XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WISE returned -4.85% vs 32.86% for XT. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WISE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for XT.

Performance

WISE vs. XT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) 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, WISE achieves a -12.03% return, which is significantly lower than XT's 16.32% return.

WISE

• 1D: -3.79%
• 1M: -14.78%
• 6M: -17.01%
• YTD: -12.03%
• 1Y: -4.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XT

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -0.81%
• 6M: 12.84%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 1Y: 32.86%
• 3Y*: 15.12%
• 5Y*: 7.44%
• 10Y*: 14.17%

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

WISE vs. XT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	-12.03%	5.88%	40.45%	8.33%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	16.32%	26.28%	0.29%	7.10%

Correlation

The correlation between WISE and XT is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.80

The correlation between WISE and XT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

WISE vs. XT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WISE	XT
Technology	91.4%	43.5%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	7.5%
Communication Services	2.7%	4.1%
Industrials	1.4%	7.8%
Healthcare	0.7%	26.9%
Utilities	0.4%	4.7%
Basic Materials	-	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	3.0%
Real Estate	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

WISE vs. XT — Risk / Return Rank

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

WISE

WISE Risk / Return Rank: 8
WISE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
WISE Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
WISE Omega Ratio Rank: 8
WISE Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
WISE Martin Ratio Rank: 8

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 74
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. XT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) 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.

	WISE	XT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.14	1.89	-2.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	2.55	-2.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.33	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.14	3.16	-3.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.32	12.16	-12.48

WISE vs. XT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WISE Sharpe Ratio is -0.14, which is lower than the XT Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WISE 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

WISE vs. XT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WISE drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, which is greater than XT's maximum drawdown of -34.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WISE and XT.

Drawdown Indicators

	WISE	XT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-34.41%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.08%	-10.45%	-23.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.09%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.41%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.11%	-3.69%	-21.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.08%	-7.36%	-4.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.26%	2.71%	+12.55%

Volatility

WISE vs. XT - Volatility Comparison

Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) has a higher volatility of 9.89% compared to iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) at 5.65%. This indicates that WISE'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

	WISE	XT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.89%	5.65%	+4.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.64%	14.16%	+12.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.18%	17.51%	+16.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.93%	21.05%	+12.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.93%	20.09%	+13.84%

WISE vs. XT - Expense Ratio Comparison

WISE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than XT's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

WISE vs. XT - Dividend Comparison

WISE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.69%, less than XT's 7.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	4.69%	4.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	7.05%	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 WISE and XT in my portfolio?

WISE and XT have a correlation of 0.75, 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 XT?

WISE has higher volatility (9.89%) compared to XT (5.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WISE dropped -39.15% vs XT's -34.41%.

Which ETF is better, WISE or XT?

On 1-year performance, XT leads with 32.86% vs -4.85% for WISE. On fees, WISE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 5.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WISE or XT?

Over the 1-year period, XT has performed better with a 32.86% return vs -4.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WISE or XT?

WISE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for XT.

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

XT has the higher dividend yield at 7.05%, compared with 4.69% for WISE.

What is the main difference between WISE and XT?

WISE tracks Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Themes and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WISE and 0.46% for XT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs -0.14), 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.