XAIX vs. YCS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and YCS (ProShares UltraShort Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while YCS is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 62.69% vs 31.36% for YCS. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XAIX charges 0.35%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for YCS.

Performance

XAIX vs. YCS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XAIX achieves a 37.44% return, which is significantly higher than YCS's 9.78% return.

XAIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 9.09%
• YTD: 37.44%
• 6M: 37.80%
• 1Y: 62.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

YCS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.71%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 23.50%
• 10Y*: 13.63%

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

XAIX vs. YCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	37.44%	29.05%	15.21%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	9.78%	9.04%	12.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and YCS is -0.15, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.04

The correlation between XAIX and YCS shifts across timeframes, from -0.15 (1 year) to 0.04 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. YCS — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 82
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

YCS

YCS Risk / Return Rank: 61
YCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
YCS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
YCS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. YCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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	YCS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	1.86	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	2.37	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.35	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.50	3.79	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.22	11.86	+3.36

XAIX vs. YCS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is higher than the YCS Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX and YCS, 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. YCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum YCS drawdown of -49.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and YCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	YCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-49.56%	+25.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-8.30%	-5.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.32%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	0.00%	-3.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-19.88%	+16.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	2.65%	+1.48%

Volatility

XAIX vs. YCS - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a higher volatility of 13.24% compared to ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) at 2.22%. This indicates that XAIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than YCS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAIX	YCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.24%	2.22%	+11.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.53%	12.19%	+8.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.53%	16.96%	+6.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.45%	21.10%	+3.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.45%	18.96%	+5.49%

XAIX vs. YCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAIX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than YCS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAIX vs. YCS - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, while YCS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.37%	0.54%	0.08%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XAIX and YCS in my portfolio?

XAIX and YCS have a correlation of -0.15, 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 YCS?

XAIX has higher volatility (13.24%) compared to YCS (2.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs YCS's -49.56%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or YCS?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 62.69% vs 31.36% for YCS. On fees, XAIX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, YCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or YCS?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 62.69% return vs 31.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or YCS?

XAIX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for YCS.

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

XAIX has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.00% for YCS.

What is the main difference between XAIX and YCS?

XAIX is categorized as Technology Equities, while YCS is Leveraged Currency. XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while YCS tracks USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAIX and 1.00% for YCS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 1.86), 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.