BOTZ ETF Explained: Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
A global ETF focused on the robotics and artificial intelligence themes. It offers broad exposure to developed-market-listed companies in industrial robotics, automation, and AI applications.
SubscribeWhat Is This ETF?
It tracks the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index. The fund holds developed-market-listed companies tied to industrial robots, automation equipment, and AI application technologies, weighted by market capitalization.
It suits thematic investors who want to bet on the long-term growth of the robotics and artificial intelligence industries.
It is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF launched in 2016 by Global X ETFs.
How Does It Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracking Index | Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index-tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Semiannual |
| Dividend Frequency | Annual |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.68% |
The eligible universe consists of robotics, automation, and AI-themed companies listed on developed-market exchanges, ranging from Japanese industrial robot makers to US medical robotics and semiconductor equipment companies. The number of holdings is relatively small, so concentration in the top positions tends to be high.
- Global diversification, including non-US robotics companies such as those in Japan
- Industrial robots, medical robots, and AI application technologies combined in a single portfolio
Size and Costs
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $3.1B, and the Expense Ratio is 0.68% per year.
Compared with ROBT and ROBO in the same category, it holds fewer stocks, so concentration in its top holdings is higher. This can also be a factor that increases return volatility.
Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeAmid expanding investment in AI infrastructure, expectations for improved earnings at semiconductor and automation equipment companies have risen. However, the interest rate environment and valuation concerns typical of thematic ETFs have repeatedly amplified short-term volatility.
Thematic ETFs tend to see notable inflows when investor interest in AI is high, and they are structurally exposed to outflow pressure during broad corrections in technology stocks.
Pros and Cons
It gives access to the global robotics and AI themes through a single product, but its concentration and fee level are higher than those of broad ETFs.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products
ROBT and WTAI, shown in the table, are direct substitutes tracking the same robotics and AI theme. ROBT holds more stocks and is therefore more diversified, while WTAI focuses on wireless communications and AI infrastructure. GRID (smart power grids) and TAN (solar) are energy transition themes, sectors that overlap with robotic automation. For a more direct robotics comparison, you can also consider ROBO (tracks a global robotics and automation index, with broader diversification) and ARKQ (an actively managed autonomous technology and robotics ETF).
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 GRID | First Trust Clean Edge Smart Grid | $169.41 | +1.4% | $11.4B | 0.56% | 0.91% | +7.0% |
 AIS | VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF | $66.70 | +4.0% | $1.1B | 0.75% | - | +66.2% |
 NASA | Tema Space Innovators ETF | $21.64 | +1.0% | $1.0B | 0.75% | - | - |
 TAN | Invesco Solar ETF | $40.98 | -2.5% | $905.5M | 0.70% | - | -15.4% |
 ROBT | First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF | $59.15 | +0.9% | $756.2M | 0.65% | 0.02% | +5.8% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 0.18% | $215.38 | -1.2% | $5.19T | 27.2 | 0.36% |
| ISRG | Intuitive Surgical Inc | 0.12% | $444.18 | -0.4% | $154.0B | 53.7 | - |
 CGNX | Cognex Corp | 0.03% | $58.43 | +0.4% | $9.8B | 56.6 | 0.59% |
 JBTM | JBT Marel Corp | 0.03% | $107.60 | -0.7% | $5.6B | 29.3 | 0.38% |
 PEGA | Pegasystems Inc | 0.03% | $35.37 | +0.1% | $5.8B | 21.9 | 0.32% |
 AUR | Aurora Innovation Inc | 0.02% | $5.09 | -0.6% | $10.2B | - | - |
 AVAV | AeroVironment Inc | 0.02% | $125.95 | -0.6% | $6.4B | - | - |
 DT | Dynatrace Inc | 0.02% | $62.81 | -1.5% | $18.2B | 124.8 | - |
Investor Checkpoints
Here are the key points to check before investing in BOTZ. Given the nature of thematic ETFs, it is important to review holding concentration, fee level, and global currency exposure in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the impact of cumulative costs over a long holding period | Somewhat high |
| 📊 Top-Holding Concentration | Trend in the weights of the top holdings | High concentration |
| 🌏 Global Currency | Currency exposure from holding Japanese and European companies | No currency hedge |
| 📈 Theme Cycle | Changes in investor sentiment toward the robotics and AI theme | Needs monitoring |
Given the nature of a theme-concentrated ETF, corrections centered on highly valued stocks can occur when the theme loses popularity or interest rates rise. Holding non-dollar companies such as those in Japan also makes currency fluctuations an additional risk factor.
It is an option for investors who want thematic exposure to the long-term growth of the robotics and artificial intelligence industries. For greater diversification, you can compare ROBO, and for active management, ARKQ.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
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