XT vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - XT tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net) while ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XT returned 7.23%/yr vs -0.08%/yr for ROBT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XT charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

XT vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XT achieves a 15.73% return, which is significantly higher than ROBT's 3.51% return.

XT

• 1D: -2.84%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 15.73%
• 6M: 14.43%
• 1Y: 37.71%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 14.88%

ROBT

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -3.90%
• YTD: 3.51%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 17.15%
• 3Y*: 6.95%
• 5Y*: -0.08%
• 10Y*: —

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

XT vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	15.73%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	35.10%	30.74%	-8.17%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	3.51%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-14.66%

Correlation

The correlation between XT and ROBT is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2018	0.92

The correlation between XT and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

XT vs. ROBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XT	ROBT
Technology	46.7%	58.6%
Healthcare	24.1%	6.9%
Industrials	7.7%	20.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	6.4%
Utilities	4.9%	-
Communication Services	4.1%	3.8%
Financial Services	3.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.7%	-
Energy	0.4%	1.3%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.3%

Return for Risk

XT vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 72
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 78

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 20
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

XT vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.

	XT	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	0.70	+1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	1.09	+1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.13	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	0.80	+2.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.43	2.22	+12.21

XT vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XT Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is higher than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XT and ROBT, 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

XT vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XT drawdown since its inception was -34.41%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XT and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XT	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.41%	-44.47%	+10.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.45%	-21.66%	+11.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.09%	-27.68%	+5.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-43.26%	+8.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-10.93%	+6.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.39%	-15.91%	+8.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	7.75%	-5.13%

Volatility

XT vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) is 8.14%, while First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a volatility of 10.81%. This indicates that XT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XT	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.14%	10.81%	-2.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.78%	19.33%	-5.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	24.76%	-7.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.00%	25.49%	-4.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	25.59%	-5.47%

XT vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

XT has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

XT vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

XT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.08%, while ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	7.08%	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 XT and ROBT in my portfolio?

XT and ROBT have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XT or ROBT?

ROBT has higher volatility (10.81%) compared to XT (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XT dropped -34.41% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, XT or ROBT?

On 5-year performance, XT leads with 7.23% vs -0.08% for ROBT. On fees, XT is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, XT has been the lower-risk option at 8.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XT or ROBT?

Over the 5-year period, XT has performed better with a 7.23% return vs -0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XT or ROBT?

XT is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ROBT.

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

XT has the higher dividend yield at 7.08%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between XT and ROBT?

XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net), while ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for XT and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 0.70), 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.