XAIX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 54.71% vs 10.68% for VPU. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XAIX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

XAIX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XAIX achieves a 30.20% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 2.68% return.

XAIX

• 1D: 2.48%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 30.20%
• 6M: 30.19%
• 1Y: 54.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 2.68%
• 6M: 3.11%
• 1Y: 10.68%
• 3Y*: 12.74%
• 5Y*: 8.91%
• 10Y*: 8.85%

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

XAIX vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	30.20%	29.05%	15.47%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.68%	16.46%	3.02%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and VPU is 0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2024	0.14

XAIX vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAIX	VPU
Technology	71.7%	-
Communication Services	14.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	-
Financial Services	5.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	0.5%
Utilities	0.0%	99.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 80
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 23
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

XAIX vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	XAIX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	0.75	+1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	1.09	+1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.14	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	1.20	+2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.14	2.66	+11.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XAIX vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX and VPU, 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

	XAIX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45	0.75	+1.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.81	0.53	+1.28

Drawdowns

XAIX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-46.31%	+22.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-8.90%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.33%	-7.71%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.51%	-7.78%	+4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.88%	4.02%	-0.14%

Volatility

XAIX vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a higher volatility of 12.81% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 5.56%. This indicates that XAIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAIX	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.81%	5.56%	+7.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.45%	11.53%	+7.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	14.38%	+8.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.10%	17.07%	+7.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.10%	19.14%	+4.96%

XAIX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAIX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAIX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than VPU's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.70%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.08%	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 XAIX and VPU in my portfolio?

XAIX and VPU have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XAIX or VPU?

XAIX has higher volatility (12.81%) compared to VPU (5.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or VPU?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 54.71% vs 10.68% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or VPU?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 54.71% return vs 10.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XAIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XAIX or VPU?

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.70%, compared with 0.41% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XAIX and VPU?

XAIX is categorized as Technology Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAIX and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 0.75), 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.