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IYW vs THNQ
Which ETF would AI Choose? iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) vs. ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ)
Key Takeaways
- iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) offers broad passive exposure to U.S. technology equities through a capped index, with approximately 148 holdings and a lower expense ratio of 0.37%.
- ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) provides targeted passive exposure to global companies deriving significant revenue from artificial intelligence, featuring a more concentrated portfolio of around 50-60 holdings and a higher expense ratio of 0.68%.
- Sector allocations differ notably: IYW emphasizes semiconductors, software, and tech hardware within the U.S. market, while THNQ spans technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors with international diversification.
- Both ETFs are passive, rules-based products suited for long-term investors seeking technology-related growth, though THNQ carries higher thematic concentration risk due to its AI-specific mandate.
- Liquidity profiles favor IYW with substantially larger assets under management and higher trading volume compared to the smaller THNQ.
- Cost efficiency and broader diversification position IYW as a lower-risk core holding, whereas THNQ appeals to investors prioritizing pure-play AI infrastructure and application exposure.
Introduction
Investors comparing technology-focused exchange-traded funds often evaluate IYW and THNQ for complementary yet distinct approaches to the sector. These ETFs do not compete directly but instead offer alternative exposure within technology: one through broad U.S. technology sector representation and the other through a global thematic strategy centered on artificial intelligence. In the current environment of rapid technological advancement, understanding their structural differences helps investors align portfolios with specific risk tolerances and thematic preferences.
iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) Overview
The iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) seeks to track the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, a passive benchmark measuring U.S. equities in the technology sector as defined by FTSE Russell. The fund maintains at least 80% of assets in index components and holds approximately 148 securities. Top holdings typically include NVIDIA Corp., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc. (Class A and C), and Broadcom Inc. Sector allocations concentrate in semiconductors and semiconductor equipment (around 41%), software and services (around 28%), and tech hardware and equipment (around 21%). The expense ratio stands at 0.37%. As a non-diversified, passive product, it employs market-cap weighting with caps to limit concentration in the largest constituents. The fund trades on NYSE Arca with strong liquidity supported by over $27 billion in assets under management.
ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) Overview
The ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) seeks to track the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, a passive benchmark measuring publicly traded companies with significant revenue from artificial intelligence activities. The fund invests at least 80% of assets in index securities or depositary receipts and holds approximately 50-60 equities. Holdings feature greater concentration, with top positions including companies such as Everpure Inc., Datadog Inc., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Cloudflare Inc., and Tempus AI Inc. Allocations emphasize technology (around 73%) alongside smaller weights in communication services, healthcare, and consumer cyclical sectors. The net expense ratio is 0.68%. This non-diversified, rules-based ETF rebalances quarterly and incorporates global exposure, with roughly 76% in the United States and meaningful allocations to Taiwan, the Netherlands, and China. It trades on NYSE Arca with more modest liquidity reflective of its smaller asset base.
Industry and Thematic Backdrop
The technology sector continues to benefit from sustained demand for semiconductors, cloud computing, data centers, and artificial intelligence infrastructure amid broader digital transformation trends. Macroeconomic drivers include ongoing capital expenditures by hyperscalers and enterprise adoption of AI tools, supported by favorable interest rate expectations in recent market cycles. Regulatory developments around data privacy, export controls on advanced chips, and antitrust scrutiny of large technology platforms introduce risks. Global supply chain dynamics and geopolitical tensions, particularly involving semiconductor manufacturing in Asia, also influence both ETFs. Capital flows have favored technology equities in recent weeks and months, driven by earnings strength in leading companies, though sector volatility remains elevated due to valuation multiples and sensitivity to economic growth indicators.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent market cycles, IYW has delivered returns aligned with broad U.S. technology benchmarks, benefiting from the performance of mega-cap leaders in semiconductors and software. Its diversified holdings provide relative stability compared to more concentrated peers. THNQ has shown sensitivity to AI-specific momentum, with performance tied to earnings cycles of infrastructure and application providers; its global tilt introduces additional currency and regional factors. Volatility differences arise from THNQ's narrower focus and smaller average market capitalization, leading to potentially sharper reactions during sector rotations or shifts in AI investment sentiment. Relative positioning favors IYW for investors seeking established U.S. technology exposure with lower costs, while THNQ suits those targeting emerging AI themes across borders.
AI Screener
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Investors seeking data-driven insights into ETFs like IYW and THNQ may find the platform a valuable resource for refining their analysis.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including structural strength, cost efficiency, diversification profile, and risk exposure, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a higher probability of favor to IYW. Its lower expense ratio, broader holdings, and established liquidity provide a more resilient foundation for core technology exposure amid ongoing sector momentum, while THNQ offers differentiated but higher-cost thematic access that may suit narrower mandates.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IYW is a Hold and THNQ is a Hold.
Aroon Indicator for IYW shows an upward move is likely
IYW's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 13, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 327 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 298 of the 327 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on September 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on IYW as a result. In 72 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Following a +1.07% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IYW advanced for three days, in 326 of 374 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for IYW moved out of overbought territory on October 08, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 40 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 30 of the 40 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 75%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 53 of 66 cases where IYW's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IYW turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 44 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 88%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IYW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
IYW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 18, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Momentum Indicator for THNQ turns negative, indicating new downward trend
THNQ saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 64 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 56 of the 64 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for THNQ moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 32 of the 43 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for THNQ turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 41 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 85%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where THNQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
THNQ broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +2.02% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where THNQ advanced for three days, in 320 of 357 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 263 of 286 cases where THNQ Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
| IYW | THNQ | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 74% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 88% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 88% | 2 days ago 85% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 84% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 89% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 87% | 9 days ago 90% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 81% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 87% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
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IYW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IYW has been closely correlated with ONTO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 67% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IYW jumps, then ONTO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IYW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IYW | 100% | +0.19% | ||
| ONTO - IYW | 67% Closely correlated | -3.72% | ||
| MKSI - IYW | 65% Loosely correlated | -0.94% | ||
| NXPI - IYW | 63% Loosely correlated | +0.49% | ||
| COHR - IYW | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.68% | ||
| VRT - IYW | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.86% | ||
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THNQ and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, THNQ has been loosely correlated with IONQ. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if THNQ jumps, then IONQ could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To THNQ | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THNQ | 100% | -0.66% | ||
| IONQ - THNQ | 65% Loosely correlated | -4.25% | ||
| ANET - THNQ | 57% Loosely correlated | -3.02% | ||
| WIX - THNQ | 56% Loosely correlated | -3.28% | ||
| P - THNQ | 53% Loosely correlated | +1.07% | ||
| TWLO - THNQ | 53% Loosely correlated | -0.38% | ||
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