Is CLDD a good ETF?
CLDD is the BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF from BetaShares. It tracks the Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index. We classify it under Intl, Thematic, and Tech. With about $43 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying).
On a total-return basis, CLDD has delivered -1.24% a year over 5 years (ranked 175th of 188 ETFs we track), 4.28% a year over 3 years (ranked 188th of 226 ETFs we track), and 1.62% a year over 1 year (ranked 229th of 308 ETFs we track). It has trailed most comparable ETFs over the periods we measure, so look closely at whether its strategy fits what you're after.
The management fee of 0.67% is on the higher side. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.48%. If cost is your priority, WWWW (0.17%), FANG (0.35%), and TECH (0.45%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a low 0% yield, so most of its return must come from capital growth.
Over the past 5 years its volatility has been high (annualised standard deviation around 24.42%), meaning a bumpy ride with deep drawdowns. Its 3-year Sharpe ratio of 0.13 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Things to watch
- Has lagged most peers over 5 years (175th of 188).
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.48%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: WWWW, FANG, and TECH.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (3-year Sharpe ratio 0.13).
- High volatility (24.42% over 5 years) — expect deep drawdowns.
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
Good to know
- Low 0% yield — this is a growth-oriented fund, not an income play.
What CLDD's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
Concentrated in technology and high-growth innovation. The highest long-run growth potential on offer, paired with the deepest drawdowns.
- Market regime
- Very sensitive to interest rates and sentiment: powers ahead when money is cheap and optimism is high, and falls hardest when rates rise or risk appetite sours. Low dividends, high volatility.
- In a portfolio
- A long-horizon, high-conviction holding for investors with a strong stomach. Size the position so a 40-50% drawdown wouldn't derail your plan.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.