What this ETF is trying to do

The Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is an exchange-traded fund designed to invest in companies related to the clean water industry. It provides exposure to various businesses involved in water technology and services. As of October 2026, the fund holds a total of 43 different holdings.

Top Holdings:

• American Water Works Co Inc (8.42%)

• Xylem Inc (8.06%)

• Ferguson Enterprises Inc (7.63%)

• Pentair PLC (6.38%)

• United Utilities Group PLC Class A (6.28%)

• Watts Water Technologies Inc Class A (5.05%)

• Essential Utilities Inc (4.63%)

• Severn Trent PLC (4.39%)

• Advanced Drainage Systems Inc (4.21%)

• Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp (4.04%)

*Note: This is a partial list of the largest holdings. Holdings can change over time.*

What the numbers show

When looking at how this ETF has performed, it is important to look at both price return and total return. Price return only tracks the change in the share price, while total return includes the impact of distributions.

• Year-to-Date (YTD): The price return is approximately -3.99%, while the total return is approximately -3.37%.

• One-Year: The price return was approximately -7.38%, and the total return was approximately -5.93%.

• Three-Year: The price return was approximately 27.17%, and the total return was approximately 32.84%.

• Five-Year: The five-year total return was approximately 20.05%.

An estimated price from roughly one year ago was $19.46, compared to the current price of $18.02.

Income and distribution explanation

AQWA provides some cash income through distributions. The current distribution yield is approximately 1.66%. Over the last 12 months, there were 2 payouts. The distribution frequency is described as "irregular" or "less frequent."

It is important to remember that a distribution yield tells you how much cash was paid out relative to the price, but it is not the same as total return.

NAV erosion explanation

The supplied data is sufficient to evaluate price erosion, but it does not include enough historical NAV-per-share data to confirm or rule out NAV erosion.

Regarding price-based evidence, the fund has an erosion-risk score of 75, which is labeled as "mild price erosion." This means the market price has shown some signs of declining. However, there is no severe erosion-risk flag for this ETF.

Pros

• Long-term growth: The three-year and five-year total returns show positive performance over those longer periods.

• Specific sector focus: The fund provides targeted exposure to the clean water industry through many different companies.

Cons

• Recent price declines: The one-year and year-to-date price returns have been negative.

• Lower income frequency: The distributions are irregular and occur less frequently than some other types of income funds.

Beginner takeaway

AQWA focuses on the clean water sector. While it has seen significant growth over a three-year period, its recent one-year performance shows a decline in share price. Investors interested in income should note the yield is relatively low and payments are not made on a regular, frequent schedule. Always remember that past performance does not guarantee future results.