The article examines two AI and technology-focused ETFs: Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) and iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY). Both funds aim to invest in companies driving advancements in artificial intelligence, but neither has a 10- or 20-year performance record due to their relatively recent launches. Here's a quick breakdown:
Key Points:
- Global X AIQ: Launched in 2018, it tracks companies in AI and big data. Currently manages $7.212 billion in assets. Its holdings are 99.99% in stocks, with a 0.68% expense ratio.
- iShares ARTY: Focuses on global AI-related industries, including semiconductors, infrastructure, and software. Its top holdings include NVIDIA, AMD, Broadcom, and Vertiv. It allocates 83.06% to information technology and has a diversified sector approach.
Challenges:
Both funds lack long-term performance data, making it hard to assess stability or growth over extended periods. Investors should weigh each fund's strategy and sector focus when considering these options.
| Comparison Factor | Global X AIQ | iShares ARTY |
|---|---|---|
| Performance History | 7 years | 7 years |
| 10-Year Returns | N/A | N/A |
| 20-Year Returns | N/A | N/A |
| Sector Focus | Broad AI and technology | Concentrated in technology |
| Top Holdings | AI & big data leaders | NVIDIA, AMD, Broadcom |
Investors should carefully evaluate their goals and risk tolerance before choosing, as these funds are still building their track records.
The Ultimate AI ETF Battle: ARTY vs. AIQ vs. CHAT vs. ROBT - Which Fund Wins?
1. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)
The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF focuses on companies leading advancements in AI and big data. As of September 30, 2025, it manages $7.212 billion in assets.
10-Year Returns
Since its launch in 2018, AIQ has built a 7.5-year performance history, though it hasn’t reached a full decade yet. Let’s take a closer look at the fund's main holdings that shape its investment strategy.
Top Holdings
AIQ follows the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, dedicating at least 80% of its assets to top companies in AI and big data innovation.
"The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. The Index tracks the performance of companies involved in the development and utilization of artificial intelligence and big data."
Sector Allocation
As of September 30, 2025, AIQ’s portfolio consists of 99.99% stocks, with a minimal 0.02% held in cash. The ETF falls within the Equity Sector Information Technology category, underscoring its focus on tech-driven investments. The fund's expense ratio stands at 0.68%, covering the costs of managing its specialized portfolio.
2. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY)
The iShares Future AI & Tech ETF is designed to invest in global companies that are driving advancements in artificial intelligence. It provides exposure to the AI sector by focusing on the critical components that fuel its growth, including infrastructure, semiconductors, and software.
10-Year Returns
Since ARTY was launched recently, it does not yet have a 10-year performance record. However, its strategy spans across key areas such as generative AI, data infrastructure, AI software, and related services. This broad focus positions the fund to benefit from growth throughout the AI ecosystem.
Top Holdings
ARTY's portfolio is packed with industry leaders in technology and related sectors. Some of its top holdings include Advanced Micro Devices, NVIDIA Corporation, Super Micro Computer, Inc., and Broadcom Inc. - all major players in the semiconductor and hardware industries. Additionally, it includes Vertiv Holdings Co from the industrial sector and Constellation Energy Corporation from the utilities sector, both of which contribute to essential data center infrastructure and energy systems.
This combination of holdings reflects a well-rounded approach to capturing opportunities in AI-related industries.
Sector Allocation
As of October 31, 2025, ARTY’s investments are heavily weighted toward technology but also include supporting industries. Here's how its sector allocation breaks down:
| Sector | Percentage of Market Value |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | 83.06% |
| Industrials | 6.00% |
| Communication | 4.99% |
| Utilities | 3.16% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 2.62% |
| Cash and/or Derivatives | 0.18% |
With over 83% allocated to Information Technology, the fund clearly prioritizes AI and tech companies. The additional investments in industrials, utilities, and communication sectors highlight the need for strong infrastructure, dependable energy, and robust communication networks to support AI's expansion. This balanced approach allows ARTY to tap into opportunities across the entire AI value chain, from chipmakers to companies enabling large-scale AI deployment.
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Fund Comparison: Advantages and Disadvantages
Both AIQ and ARTY share a common limitation: neither has a 10- or 20-year performance record, as they’ve only been around for about seven years. This short history makes it challenging to assess how these funds perform over the long term and through varying market conditions.
| Comparison Factor | Global X AI & Technology ETF (AIQ) | iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance History | 7 years | 7 years |
| 10-Year Returns | Not available (N/A) | Not available (N/A) |
| 20-Year Returns | Not available (N/A) | Not available (N/A) |
| Sector Focus | Broad exposure to artificial intelligence and technology | More concentrated within technology sectors |
| Asset Diversification | Relatively balanced across sectors | More concentrated |
This table highlights the trade-offs between the two funds. AIQ offers broader exposure across artificial intelligence and technology sectors, which can help cushion losses during market downturns. On the other hand, ARTY’s narrower focus on technology makes it more aligned with specific tech trends. While this could lead to higher returns in booming markets, it also introduces greater volatility.
The lack of long-term data for both funds makes it difficult to compare them to more established benchmarks. For reference, the 10-year average return for the Technology category stands at 18.57%, while the S&P 500 averages 11.01%. Neither AIQ nor ARTY has a track record to measure up against these figures, leaving investors to rely on speculative projections rather than proven performance across market cycles. This adds an extra layer of risk for those considering these funds.
Conclusion
AIQ and ARTY disclosures currently fall short in providing 10- and 20-year return data or detailed insights into top holdings, making it challenging to gauge their long-term stability and growth potential. To make more informed decisions, investors should dive deeper into additional research and examine other critical aspects, such as the funds' current strategies and market positioning.
In light of these limitations, it's essential for investors to evaluate their own risk tolerance, investment timeline, and overall portfolio goals. Seeking guidance from a financial advisor can also be a smart move to navigate these uncertainties and ensure investment choices align with personal financial objectives.
FAQs
Why don’t the Global X AIQ and iShares ARTY funds have 10- or 20-year performance data, and what does this mean for investors?
The Global X AIQ and iShares ARTY funds are relatively new to the ETF market, which is why they lack 10- or 20-year performance data. AIQ made its debut on May 11, 2018, followed by ARTY on June 26, 2018. With less than a decade of history, neither fund has had the opportunity to establish a long-term performance record.
When assessing these funds, it's essential to focus on their shorter-term performance, investment strategies, and current holdings. While historical data can provide insights, it’s just as crucial to evaluate how these funds fit your financial goals and align with your comfort level regarding risk.
What are the differences in sector focus and diversification between Global X AIQ and iShares ARTY?
Global X AIQ and iShares ARTY take distinct approaches when it comes to sector focus and diversification. Global X AIQ spreads its investments across a range of sectors and countries, without being tied to specific geographic or industry boundaries. As of October 17, 2025, its leading holdings include Advanced Micro Devices (3.92%), Samsung Electronics (3.82%), and Alibaba Group (3.63%). The fund's portfolio consists of 88 stocks, covering seven sectors and over 10 countries.
iShares ARTY, by contrast, hones in on growth within the artificial intelligence value chain. As of May 13, 2025, its top investments are Vertiv Holdings Co (5.02%), Arista Networks Inc (4.88%), and Broadcom Inc (4.84%). This fund zeroes in on companies that are actively driving advancements in AI technology, offering a more focused strategy within the sector.
How can investors assess the risks and rewards of AI-focused ETFs like AIQ and ARTY when they lack long-term performance data?
When looking at AI-focused ETFs like AIQ and ARTY, especially without long-term performance data to rely on, there are a few critical areas to examine:
- Portfolio Composition: Take a close look at the ETF's holdings to see which AI-related companies and industries it includes. This can give you a sense of where the fund's growth opportunities might lie. Are the holdings spread across diverse sectors, or heavily concentrated in a few areas?
- Sector Trends: Think about the broader growth trends in the AI space. Is the sector expanding rapidly, and how might this ETF perform in different market scenarios? Understanding the industry's trajectory can help you gauge the fund's potential.
- Potential Risks: Keep an eye on the risks tied to these funds. Factors like market volatility, dependence on emerging technologies, or a heavy focus on specific companies or industries could impact performance.
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can get a clearer picture of both the opportunities and challenges these ETFs present, even if historical performance data isn't available.
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