BNGE vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BNGE (First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds from First Trust - BNGE tracks the S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BNGE returned 12.24%/yr vs 32.32%/yr for NXTG. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

BNGE vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNGE achieves a -20.97% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 43.46% return.

BNGE

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -3.30%
• YTD: -20.97%
• 6M: -21.44%
• 1Y: -17.18%
• 3Y*: 12.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.21%
• YTD: 43.46%
• 6M: 43.24%
• 1Y: 62.62%
• 3Y*: 32.32%
• 5Y*: 17.38%
• 10Y*: 17.79%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BNGE vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BNGE First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF	-20.97%	35.18%	19.23%	37.21%	-28.77%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	43.46%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-18.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BNGE and NXTG is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2022	0.76

Over the past year, the correlation between BNGE and NXTG has dropped to 0.55 - well below their long-term average of 0.76, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

BNGE vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNGE	NXTG
Communication Services	65.7%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	26.5%	0.4%
Technology	7.9%	71.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	4.2%
Real Estate	-	6.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BNGE vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BNGE

BNGE Risk / Return Rank: 3
BNGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BNGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BNGE Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BNGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BNGE Martin Ratio Rank: 4

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 92
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 91
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BNGE vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BNGE	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	2.96	-3.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.30	3.63	-4.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	1.52	-0.67
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.62	5.50	-6.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.13	19.70	-20.83

BNGE vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNGE Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 2.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNGE and NXTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BNGE vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNGE drawdown since its inception was -40.54%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNGE and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNGE	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.54%	-33.61%	-6.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.88%	-11.45%	-16.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.88%	-17.75%	-10.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.17%	-7.93%	-19.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.96%	-7.91%	-6.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.24%	3.19%	+12.05%

Volatility

BNGE vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) is 4.85%, while First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) has a volatility of 12.11%. This indicates that BNGE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNGE	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.85%	12.11%	-7.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	18.72%	-5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.60%	21.29%	-3.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.06%	18.56%	+6.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.06%	19.10%	+5.96%

BNGE vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BNGE and NXTG have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

BNGE vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

BNGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, less than NXTG's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BNGE First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF	1.31%	0.89%	0.01%	0.81%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.57%	1.56%	1.51%	2.15%	2.04%	1.97%	1.04%	0.77%	1.27%	1.65%	1.23%	1.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNGE and NXTG in my portfolio?

BNGE and NXTG have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNGE or NXTG?

NXTG has higher volatility (12.11%) compared to BNGE (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNGE dropped -40.54% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, BNGE or NXTG?

On 3-year performance, NXTG leads with 32.32% vs 12.24% for BNGE. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, BNGE has been the lower-risk option at 4.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNGE or NXTG?

Over the 3-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 32.32% return vs 12.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNGE or NXTG?

BNGE and NXTG have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNGE or NXTG?

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.57%, compared with 1.31% for BNGE.

What is the main difference between BNGE and NXTG?

BNGE tracks S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.96 vs -0.98), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.