XAIX vs. XLK

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - XAIX tracks the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 42.95% vs 42.45% for XLK. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XAIX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

XAIX vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with XAIX at 26.22% and XLK at 26.22%.

XAIX

• 1D: -2.92%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 22.58%
• YTD: 26.22%
• 1Y: 42.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: -1.79%
• 6M: 23.80%
• YTD: 26.22%
• 1Y: 42.45%
• 3Y*: 28.08%
• 5Y*: 19.72%
• 10Y*: 24.50%

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

XAIX vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	26.22%	29.05%	15.21%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	26.22%	24.61%	10.77%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and XLK is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.94

The correlation between XAIX and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

XAIX vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAIX	XLK
Technology	77.4%	99.7%
Communication Services	11.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	-
Financial Services	4.0%	-
Industrials	0.1%	0.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	0.2%
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 63
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	XAIX	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.75	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.25	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	2.68	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.39	8.10	+1.29

XAIX vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX and XLK, 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

XAIX vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-82.05%	+58.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-15.92%	+1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.66%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.56%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.13%	-8.43%	-2.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-34.85%	+31.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	5.25%	-0.66%

Volatility

XAIX vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a higher volatility of 11.70% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 11.01%. This indicates that XAIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAIX	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.70%	11.01%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.39%	20.77%	+1.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.06%	24.43%	+0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.98%	25.56%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.98%	24.79%	+0.19%

XAIX vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAIX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAIX vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than XLK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.44%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XAIX and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, XAIX and XLK move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, XAIX or XLK?

XAIX has higher volatility (11.70%) compared to XLK (11.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or XLK?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 42.95% vs 42.45% for XLK. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 11.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or XLK?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 42.95% return vs 42.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XAIX.

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.41% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XAIX and XLK?

XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAIX and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.73), 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.