BULD vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BULD (Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - BULD tracks the BlueStar Robotics & 3D Printing Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BULD returned 20.25%/yr vs 32.64%/yr for NXTG. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BULD charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

BULD vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) 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, BULD achieves a 36.22% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 43.67% return.

BULD

• 1D: -4.35%
• 1M: 7.78%
• YTD: 36.22%
• 6M: 33.89%
• 1Y: 64.21%
• 3Y*: 20.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: -3.56%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 43.67%
• 6M: 43.68%
• 1Y: 65.86%
• 3Y*: 32.64%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 17.41%

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

BULD vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BULD Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF	36.22%	23.20%	-3.93%	28.27%	-12.41%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	43.67%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-13.79%

Correlation

The correlation between BULD and NXTG is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2022	0.82

The correlation between BULD and NXTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BULD vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

BULD

BULD Risk / Return Rank: 73
BULD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BULD Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
BULD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
BULD Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
BULD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 91
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 90
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.

BULD vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) 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.

	BULD	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	3.10	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	3.78	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.54	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	5.78	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.10	21.26	-8.17

BULD vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BULD Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 3.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BULD 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

BULD vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BULD drawdown since its inception was -27.64%, smaller than the maximum NXTG drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BULD and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BULD	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.64%	-33.61%	+5.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.48%	-11.45%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.64%	-17.75%	-9.89%
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	-4.37%	-7.80%	+3.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-7.91%	-0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.92%	3.11%	+1.81%

Volatility

BULD vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) is 12.04%, while First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) has a volatility of 12.89%. This indicates that BULD 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

	BULD	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.04%	12.89%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.55%	18.74%	+4.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.58%	21.37%	+8.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.06%	18.57%	+9.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.06%	19.11%	+8.95%

BULD vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BULD has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

BULD vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

BULD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, less than NXTG's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BULD Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF	0.84%	1.24%	0.18%	0.21%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.19%	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 BULD and NXTG in my portfolio?

BULD and NXTG have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BULD or NXTG?

NXTG has higher volatility (12.89%) compared to BULD (12.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BULD dropped -27.64% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, BULD or NXTG?

On 3-year performance, NXTG leads with 32.64% vs 20.25% for BULD. On fees, BULD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, BULD has been the lower-risk option at 12.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BULD or NXTG?

Over the 3-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 32.64% return vs 20.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BULD or NXTG?

BULD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.84% for BULD.

What is the main difference between BULD and NXTG?

BULD tracks BlueStar Robotics & 3D Printing Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for BULD and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 2.18), 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.