AIQ vs BOTZ: Two Different Bets Wearing the Same AI Label
AIQ and BOTZ are both Global X thematic funds, both charge 0.68%, and both market themselves around artificial intelligence. Under the hood they own different things. AIQ tilts toward AI software and data companies. BOTZ tilts toward robotics and industrial automation. The label is the same. The exposure is not.
AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) holds about 50 companies that develop or heavily use AI and big-data technology, which pulls it toward large US software and semiconductor names. BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF) holds about 45 companies in robotics, industrial automation, and AI hardware, which gives it more industrial and international exposure, including Japanese and European automation firms. Both charge 0.68% per year, roughly seven times the 0.10% you would pay for a broad technology fund like VGT. Their returns have diverged sharply: AIQ rode the AI-software surge harder, while BOTZ, weighted toward automation hardware, lagged over the past three years. Neither is a substitute for broad market exposure, and both carry the concentration and hype risk that comes with any narrow theme. If you want exposure to the AI-software story, AIQ is the closer fit. If you want robotics and automation, BOTZ is. Owning both mostly doubles the fee, not the diversification. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
📋 AIQ vs BOTZ — Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | AIQ | BOTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF | Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF |
| Issuer | Global X | Global X |
| Tracks Index | Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index | Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index |
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.68% |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $68.00 | $68.00 |
| AUM | $3B | $3B |
| Holdings | 50 | 45 |
| Inception | 2018 | 2016 |
| 1-Year Return | +48.00% | +20.00% |
| 3-Year Return | +33.00% | +5.00% |
| 5-Year Return | +13.40% | +10.00% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.05% | 0.06% |
Data from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
📊 AIQ vs BOTZ — Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Should You Buy AIQ or BOTZ?
- You already use Global X and prefer staying within their fund family
- You already use Global X and prefer staying within their fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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❓ AIQ vs BOTZ — Frequently Asked Questions
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