A Look at Two Technology ETFs: CHAT vs. XLK
When comparing two popular tech-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs)—Roundhill Investments Generative AI & Technology ETF (NYSEMKT: CHAT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEMKT: XLK)—investors face a choice between high-cost, actively managed strategies and low-cost, passive approaches.
Overview of the Funds
Investors often choose between two types of funds: those that cover a broad sector like XLK, and niche options like CHAT that delve into specialized areas. CHAT targets the rapidly growing generative AI market and is actively managed, while XLK follows the technology sector of the S&P 500, providing a cost-effective way to invest in leading tech companies.
Quick Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of both ETFs:
| Metric | CHAT | XLK |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Roundhill Investments | SPDR |
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.08% |
| 1-Year Return | 128.0% | 59.4% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.72% | 0.40% |
| Beta | 1.83 | 1.33 |
| Assets Under Management | $2.1 billion | $124.5 billion |
Note: Beta shows how much the fund’s price moves compared to the S&P 500. The returns and yields are for the trailing 12 months.
Performance & Risks
The performance metrics highlight some key differences. For example:
- Max Drawdown (3 Years): CHAT faced a max drop of 31.30% while XLK dropped 25.70%.
- Growth of $1,000 over 3 Years: A $1,000 investment in CHAT would grow to about $3,332, while the same amount in XLK would rise to $2,190.
What’s Inside Each Fund?
XLK focuses solely on the S&P 500’s tech sector and includes 75 stocks, with top holdings like Nvidia Corp (13.1%), Apple Inc (11.7%), and Microsoft Corp (8.7%). Launched in 1998, it targets established companies in software, semiconductors, and hardware.
CHAT, on the other hand, manages 42 holdings across different sectors, with 76.9% in Technology, 16.7% in Communication Services, and 5.9% in Consumer Cyclical. Its largest stocks include SK Hynix Inc (6.2%), Micron Technology (6.1%), and Nvidia (5.8%). Launched more recently in 2023, it aims to capitalize on global productivity trends.
Which Fund Should You Choose?
CHAT has remarkably returned 128% over the past year, which is hard to overlook, even with its higher expense ratio of 0.75%. However, over 40% of CHAT is still made up of S&P 500 stocks, creating some overlap with XLK.
Meanwhile, XLK delivered a solid return of nearly 50% in the past year. However, given CHAT’s better performance and dividend yield, it may be more appealing right now. Over the last three years, CHAT has also outperformed XLK by a margin of 52% to 31%.
Conclusion
Choosing between AI-focused CHAT and the broader tech exposure of XLK can be challenging. While higher fees might deter some investors, CHAT’s significant returns suggest it could be worth considering, especially in 2026.
If you’re weighing your options in tech investments, CHAT presents an attractive choice for those willing to invest in the promising field of AI.
